Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, is secondary to his service-connected left foot disability. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining in-patient records from a hospital where the Appellant had a back injury during his Army Reserve service. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back condition is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 20 percent, and his left lower extremity sciatica is currently rated at 40 percent. The Board has determined that the current ratings are appropriate.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate VA examinations, and a new examination is needed to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with communication and clarification of hearing requests. The Veteran's current address needs to be updated, and he should be given an opportunity to respond or submit additional evidence if desired.

The Board found that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and cervical spine. The claims were denied as there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and pension eligibility are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and determining his qualifying military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's personnel records, VA treatment records, and a supplemental opinion regarding his tinnitus. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine whether the Veteran's preexisting low back disability was aggravated by service and to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his current low back disability.

The Board has ordered additional VA medical records to be obtained and the case is being remanded for further development. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability will be reconsidered after this.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and left knee disorder are service-connected, with the former being granted based on direct service connection and the latter due to aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's lumbar corset, used to treat his service-connected low back disability, does not cause wear and tear on clothing. The Under Secretary for Health or designee has denied certification of eligibility for an annual VA clothing allowance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he does not meet the criteria for an annual clothing allowance due to his service-connected spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and right leg disorder have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disorders have been denied as these conditions are not shown to be related to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder did not manifest in service and is not etiologically related to military service.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back disability in service or within the initial post-service year, and did not establish a nexus between current low back disorder and service. The Veteran's reported symptoms are not considered credible due to their vague nature.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current lumbar spine disorder related to service, and thus, denied his claim for service connection.