Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for PTSD or right ear hearing loss, and there was no evidence linking the current conditions to active service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board found that the Veteran's left testicle disability status post orchiectomy was not cancer and did not have a nexus to herbicide exposure. The low back disability issue remains unresolved.

The Veteran's chronic lumbar strain was initially rated at 0 percent prior to May 30, 2012 and has been increased to 10 percent thereafter. The initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychogenic muscle disorder/somatoform pain disorder, but denied service connection for a chronic thoracolumbar spine disability. The decision is mixed as the claim was reopened on new evidence.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability rating from 60 percent to 10 percent was proper.

The Veteran's lumbar spine scoliosis is related to her period of active duty service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The issues regarding initial increased disability ratings for MDD prior to March 28, 2007; thoracic spine dextroscoliosis prior to September 26, 2003; and bilateral knee retropatellar pain syndrome have been remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The case will be referred to the Director of Compensation & Pension Services for consideration of entitlement to TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis/rhinitis and a low back disability due to additional development being required.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disorder is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected DDD of the lumbar spine.

The Board denied the appellant's request for an extension of her delimiting date for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits under Chapter 35, finding that she was not prevented from initiating or completing a chosen program of education due to her own or her children's disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have sleep apnea and thus, service connection for this condition is denied. The thoracolumbar spine disorder claim remains pending as there was insufficient evidence to determine its etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected recurrent lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 40 percent, effective July 16, 2002. The Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted based on the severity of his symptoms and functional impairment.

The Board found no evidence of a pre-existing fracture or injury to the Veteran's back prior to service, and concluded that any current acquired low back disorder is not related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and dependency of TDIU on service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's appeal is now pending with the RO.

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

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded to allow for additional development of her medical records, examinations, and consideration of the issues on appeal.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current back condition is not related to his active service and denies his claim for service connection.