Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and post-service treatment records. The Veteran's appeal remains on hold until further action is taken.

The Veteran's death was caused by alcohol abuse, which is secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including low back, neck, right shoulder, and right foot disabilities, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination and consideration of whether his service-connected disabilities alone render him unemployable.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his degenerative disc disease and herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the issues of service connection for a low back disorder and bilateral hip osteoarthritis are inextricably intertwined, necessitating their resolution prior to adjudication. The Veteran's claims will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent from September 7, 2006 to May 3, 2007, and at 20 percent thereafter. Radiculopathy of the lower extremities did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to an increased rating for a lumbar spine disability has been withdrawn. The Board therefore dismisses this issue.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain missing service medical records, worker's compensation records, and deck logs related to the Veteran's claimed lumbar spine and cervical spine disorders. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The Board finds that there is sufficient evidence to support a finding of direct service connection for his neck, back, left knee, right knee, and thyroid conditions.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a chronic low back disorder and diabetes mellitus type II with multiple symptoms. The claims were not reopened for other conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as mild spondylosis, was incurred during his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for clarification of medical opinions. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar stenosis with degenerative arthritis and sciatic nerve impairment of the right lower extremity are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking his current condition to service. The Veteran's claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disorder, lumbar spine disorder, hemorrhoids, and basal cell carcinoma are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship with his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's diagnosed low back disabilities, including DJD and DDD, did not manifest during service or within one year of discharge. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for varicose veins of the right thigh and a back disability. The evidence now shows that these conditions may be related to service, including heavy lifting during his time as an aviation mechanic.