Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, including a compression fracture of the mid-thoracic spine, degenerative disc disease, and dextroscoliosis, is related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any lumbar spine disorders present during the appeal period.

The Veteran seeks a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The case is being remanded to obtain vocational rehabilitation records and provide the Veteran with a new VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on employment.

The Board has reopened the claims for depression, subdural hematoma with headaches and dizziness, calluses on the feet, lumbar spine disability, seizures, peripheral neuropathy of various extremities, and prostate complications. However, these claims are being remanded to allow further development.

The Veteran's initial ratings for degenerative spondylosis of the lumbar spine and bilateral plantar fasciitis were denied, but he was granted a separate rating for each foot under Diagnostic Code 5284.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present low back disability. The issue of service connection for bilateral hip disability will also be addressed.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes. The bursitis of both knees has been assigned a non-compensable evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Veteran's service-connected lower back strain is not manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less, and thus does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, but his bilateral hearing loss and service connection for inguinal hernia are not granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, as no evidence was submitted showing a spine injury occurred during service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address issues related to service connection and other claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to deficiencies in the March 2012 VA examination report, including failure to address other past genitourinary conditions and non-age-related causes of degenerative changes to the cervical and lumbar spine. The Veteran's representative also requested that records be obtained regarding his nursing education and experience.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, concluding that any current condition is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar strain was initially rated as 20 percent disabling prior to December 2, 2009, and increased to 40 percent disabling thereafter.,For the cervical spine disability, the Veteran has been granted a 20 percent rating since March 8, 2000.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was aggravated during service, and his bilateral knee disability is due to a congenital condition pre-existing service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any low back disorder, as well as whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) and hypertension are related to service. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board denied service connection for actinic keratosis, neck disorder, and low back disorder. Service connection was not granted for peripheral neuropathy as the evidence did not support a direct relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of the claimed conditions, as there is no competent and credible evidence showing current disabilities or a link to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and review of additional evidence submitted by the Veteran's representative.