Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a clarifying medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any current lumbar spine and right hip disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to January 6, 2006.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran is granted a rating of 20 percent for the mass of the right corpus tunica, and service connection for an abdominal disability. The back disability remains at a noncompensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to inadequate examination and need for additional information regarding flare-ups.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating was denied in April 2009. In December 2013, he testified at a Board hearing that his back disability had worsened since the last evaluation. The RO then granted an increased rating of 20 percent effective February 24, 2009. However, this decision is now being remanded due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability and granted service connection for headaches, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and right hip disability. The claims for an eye disability and hypertension were withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to a hearing request and will determine whether new evidence supports reopening of service connection for a low back disorder, if applicable.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development of her claims.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain and right shoulder strain, finding that the Veteran's in-service injuries are presumed due to combat service.,The Veteran's claim of a higher rating for his right hand disability is dismissed as he withdrew it prior to the decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after this additional information is obtained.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claim for service connection of a back disability. The case will be returned to the Board after this development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right sciatica and foot drop, as well as lumbar disc disease status post laminectomy of L4-5 are being remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Veteran is not entitled to commencement of the period of payment for VA compensation benefits prior to May 1, 2010 as his effective date was properly assigned on April 1, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection. The ratings for left foot and right foot disabilities were also denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left thumb and low back disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence does not show any in-service injury, disease, or abnormality related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a lumbar and cervical spine disorders, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The case is being returned to the RO/AMC for further development.

The Veteran is granted additional special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance and loss of use of both feet from July 22, 2008 to July 7, 2009.

The Board and RO have denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart condition, folliculitis, bronchial asthma, and lumbar muscle spasms due to lack of medical evidence establishing a nexus to his period of service.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service injuries.