Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability, including his lower back strain, lumbar spine arthritis, and L5-S1 disc herniation, is not related to service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions had their onset during or are otherwise related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal and lumbar spine disabilities were not related to service or to an incident of service origin, and thus denied his claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and a respiratory disability. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a disability manifested by loss of taste and smell is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to consider his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The RO will review these claims in accordance with VA policies regarding such cases.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a supplemental medical opinion to determine the relationship between his service and any diagnosed disabilities, including those related to an incident in service. The Veteran will be provided another VA examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome were found to be less disabling than the assigned initial ratings, resulting in a denial of his claims for higher initial ratings.

The Veteran's right eye disability and left shoulder DJD were not found to be related to service. The low back disability was granted as it is considered a chronic disease due to continuity of symptoms, and tinnitus was granted based on its relationship to the diagnosed hearing loss.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disability during service or within one year after separation, and the Veteran's current condition is not linked to his military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination and review of his medical records. The case will be reconsidered after this.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to September 25, 2009 and from September 25, 2009 through February 22, 2012. From February 23, 2012, the Veteran is entitled to a 20 percent evaluation for his lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's migraine headaches were rated at 10 percent prior to February 23, 2012 and are currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and provide proper VCAA notice.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain Social Security Administration records and for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for scheduling a personal hearing at the RO. The AOJ should take appropriate steps in accordance with the Veteran's request and return the claims file for further consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for right elbow (ulnar nerve) disability, hypertension, and a liver disorder to include hepatitis. Service connection was denied for the remaining conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, including radiculopathy in his left lower extremity, is related to service and granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and an increased rating for left hip prior to September 1, 2012. The Veteran's request for a greater initial rating for the left hip surgical scar was also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and review of the claims file.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to service, and therefore, denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for entitlement to service connection for dislocated rib and an increase in overall combined evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and the provision of treatment records. The issues on appeal are whether he should receive a higher rating for his lumbosacral strain disability and if he qualifies for TDIU.