Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2013

The Board found no evidence of a lumbar spine disability during service and concluded that the Veteran's current low back condition is not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with disc herniation is causally or etiologically due to service, and therefore service connection is established.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining SSA records, VA treatment records, and a VA examination for his prostate disorder and hepatitis C.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral shin splints/compartment syndrome, cervical strain with disc herniation, and thoracic strain are related to his active service. The claims for neck and back disabilities have been granted as direct service connection is established.

The Board found no evidence of a back injury or psychiatric problems in service, and there is insufficient credible medical evidence to establish any link between current disabilities and service. The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining her military dependent medical records from Fort Campbell and her treatment records from Dr. David Moody and Dr. Russell Palmer. A VA orthopedic examination will be conducted to determine the nature and etiology of any current back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical opinions and development of the claims file. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a spine disability, including spondylolisthesis, pelvic girdle dysfunction, and degenerative disc disorder, is pending.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a low back disability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities has been dismissed because the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and inguinal hernia were not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability and obstructive sleep apnea are related to his military service, with the evidence being in equipoise on both issues.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing and to address the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine.

The case is being remanded to the RO for further medical clarification regarding a higher rating for traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine and whether separate ratings are warranted for associated lumbosacral radiculopathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU, finding that his service-connected lumbar spine disability did not render him unemployable at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain with post-cloneal nerve block and degenerative disc disease was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and an eye disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronic disability related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected lumbar spine disorder prior to November 26, 2012, and for entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disability. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any point.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's current cervical spine degenerative disc disease is related to his military service. The issue of entitlement to an increased rating for right ear hearing loss remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for hypertrophic degenerative disease involving lateral vertebral body margins, lumbar spine and denied increased ratings for myofascial strain of the paraspinal muscles of the back, osteochondritis dissecans, lateral femoral condyle, left knee, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA neurosurgical examination to address the etiology of any diagnosed lumbar disorder.