Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2013

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for low back, right hip, and right leg disabilities. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's chronic low back strain was granted a 20 percent disability evaluation effective September 15, 2011. Prior to this date, the condition warranted a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection claims and the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disability. The appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the loss of use of his feet, warranting eligibility for automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Board has found that the Veteran's appeal requires a remand for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing at his local RO.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for the issues of increased ratings for various conditions, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine at L3-4 and PTSD. The remaining issue of an increased rating for left knee arthritis with a history of patellofemoral pain syndrome is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are currently evaluated at 20 percent each, but the Board finds that an increased evaluation is not warranted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including a VA examination to address the etiology of his bilateral knee and back disorders. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for his service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities have been granted, with the lumbar spine receiving a 40% evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since January 1, 2000.