Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2013

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, arthritis of the lumbar spine, and right hip disorder.,New evidence was not submitted to reopen the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, including degenerative disc disease and degenerative lumbar arthritis, as well as restless leg syndrome. These conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's military service.,Service connection is also granted for mechanical low back strain, though this was not originally claimed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a low back disorder, which he claims is related to his military service. The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claim can be decided.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The claims of service connection for various disabilities, including those related to Agent Orange exposure, will be processed after the hearing.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence and the need for a VA examination regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current back disorder. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his back disorder, which he claims was caused by an in-service injury while unloading equipment from a truck.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and review of medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine disability will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied, and her TDIU prior to August 13, 2009, claim was also denied. The RO/AMC increased the rating from 20% to 40% effective August 13, 2009.

The Veteran's disability rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome with nerve root involvement at the L3, L4, and L5-S1 levels has been increased to 60 percent.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability and other issues, including increased ratings for various disabilities. The Veteran's claims were not granted.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings on all issues except the initial rating for dermatitis of bilateral upper extremities, which resulted in a 10% disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence had not been received. The Board recharacterized the issues based on relevant case law, but did not address the merits of these claims.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80 percent, which satisfies the statutory requirements for TDIU. However, the weight of medical opinion and other evidence indicates that his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment after February 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum opinion to determine if the Veteran's low back disability is related to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left foot, low back, and hip disabilities. The evidence did not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service or any service-connected disability.

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

The Veteran's depression is found to be proximately caused by his service-connected schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, resulting in a grant of service connection for depression.

The Veteran's claims for lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, and tension headaches have been granted.,The Veteran's increased rating claims for plantar fasciitis of the right foot and left foot are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature, extent and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities. Specifically, VA examinations are required for his left knee, right knee, low back, and skin conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and to obtain updated medical records. The issues of service connection for a cervical spine disability and an increased evaluation for degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine will be reconsidered after these actions.