Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine and left knee disabilities, finding insufficient evidence to warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for spondylosis of the lumbar spine. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied as there is no compensable limitation of motion found.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar strain with radiculopathy to the left is being remanded due to a lack of recent VA examination and possible need for new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent, and the hypothyroidism was also rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU benefits is denied as it is not factually ascertainable that he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due solely to service-connected disabilities in the year prior to his June 28, 2007 claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection of various disabilities. This includes obtaining Social Security Administration records, VA treatment records, and any relevant service personnel records.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current low back disorder or digestive disorders related to his military service and therefore, these claims are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is at least as likely as not aggravated by her service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the current severity of her thoracic and lumbar spine disability and PTSD.

The Board has determined that an effective date of January 22, 2003, is warranted for the grant of service connection for a low back disability. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for chronic left ankle strain is denied.

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

The Board has determined that there is new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for low back disability. However, the current low back disability is not shown to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability requires additional development, including another VA examination and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Veteran is seeking an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected back disability. The case must be remanded to obtain updated treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to assess the current nature, extent, and severity of his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) are being remanded. The initial compensable rating claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and the tinnitus reopening claim remains denied.

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

Service connection is granted for DJD of the lumbar spine, as continuous symptoms since service separation are established.,Service connection is denied for residuals of Bell's palsy, as they are not related to service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disorder and remanded it for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the current low back disorder is related to service or service-connected knee disorders.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development of the record, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) disability records and workers' compensation records.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current left knee disability or lower back disorder related to service. The Veteran's reports of continuity of symptoms are not credible given the lack of such reports at separation and in earlier medical records.