Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's left leg meralgia paresthesia/lumbar radiculopathy and cervical spine stenosis with disc disease were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may they be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated.

The Board found that the current low back disability did not have its onset in active service and is not the result of a disease or injury incurred in active service, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and sciatica of the bilateral lower extremities are currently rated at 40 percent each, resulting in a combined rating of 60 percent. The appeal is granted as his service-connected disabilities meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's application for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant was denied as he does not meet the eligibility requirements due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right hip or low back disorder, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and left knee are not service-connected as they are not related to his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant records from the U.S. Postal Service and VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, low back disability, and right shoulder disability due to lack of credible supporting evidence that a stressor actually occurred during his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected patellofemoral arthritis of the right knee is rated at 10 percent, and he was granted a separate 10 percent rating for pseudolaxity of the right knee. The Board found that his bilateral hip disorder and low back disorder are not service connected.

The Veteran's back disability was rated at 20 percent prior to July 2, 2010 and increased to 40 percent thereafter. The TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the case to schedule a VA compensation examination of the Veteran's lumbosacral spine due to evidence suggesting worsening of his disability. Additionally, all pertinent treatment records since May 2010 and from David Cosenza, M.D., must be secured and associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination to assess the severity of his cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spondylosis is being remanded due to the need to locate him and conduct a VA examination.

The Board found no evidence of a direct service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, as there is no medical evidence linking his current condition to his active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability did not manifest during or as a result of active military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability in the previous decision. The case is being remanded to provide additional development and obtain relevant medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in an impairment of his ability to prepare for, obtain, or retain employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes and interests.

The Veteran is seeking increased ratings for his right knee disorder and service connection for low back and peripheral neuropathy. The case has been remanded to obtain updated medical examinations and opinions regarding the severity of his right knee disorder, as well as whether any diagnosed low back or peripheral neuropathy are related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck and back disabilities are at least as likely as not incurred during his active service, with application of the benefit-of-the-doubt rule.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder did not have its onset in service and denied both direct and secondary service connection.