Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability determination records. The AOJ will review the claims and conduct any necessary examinations before readjudicating them.

The Veteran's low back disability with neurological manifestations (left lower extremity radiculopathy) is rated at 10 percent, and separate ratings for other neurological manifestations are not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his lumbar spine disc disease and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation prior to November 30, 2005 or on or after that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and left knee disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of chronic disability during or immediately following service. The polio claim was also denied due to lack of evidence of a pre-service diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a video conference hearing at an appropriate location in South Carolina.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development, including an extra-schedular evaluation under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability and low back disability, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that could be linked to the current disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for chondromalacia of the left knee, a compensable evaluation for old trauma distal of the left clavicle of the left shoulder, a compensable evaluation for C6-7 radiculopathy on the left, a compensable evaluation for C6/7 radiculopathy on the right, a compensable evaluation for osteoarthritic changes of lumbosacral spine, and a compensable evaluation for pes planus deformity and posterior calcaneal spur.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the current existence and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with spinal stenosis has been granted, with a rating of 10% for the latter condition.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for additional dependency allowance for his spouse was denied as the evidence of record did not show that he had submitted a completed VA Form 21-686(c) within one year of notification, which is required to establish eligibility for such benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a supplemental medical opinion regarding his ability to work due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical arthritis and lumbar myofascitis, L5-S1 degenerative disk disease (DDD), and facet arthrosis. The Board finds that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected low back disability.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disability and granted service connection. The right foot disability was also found to be incurred in service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbosacral spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the increased ratings and service connection for his lumbar spine, right shoulder, and right hip conditions.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and thoracolumbar spine disability were granted initial ratings of 10% prior to September 14, 2011. From June 15, 2011 to August 25, 2012, the Veteran was granted a higher rating of 20%. The right knee disability received an initial rating of 10%, effective July 31, 2012.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back pain and left hip symptoms, finding that new evidence supports these claims. The Board also found that the current left hip strain was aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected lumbar strain is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.