Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

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The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions did not have their onset during service or are otherwise related to his period of active duty. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his back and neck disabilities prior to specific dates were denied. The Veteran was not granted a compensable rating for his left knee disability or bilateral foot disability.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain updated VA treatment records, including MRI of the lumbar spine and cystoscopy. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Veteran's service-connected osteomyelitis and related conditions contributed to his death from sepsis, meeting the criteria for DIC based on service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's left flatfoot, allergies, and back conditions did not clearly and unmistakably pre-exist service or were not aggravated by service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied. The VA determined that the condition did not meet criteria for an increased rating beyond the current 40 percent.

The Veteran's low back and leg pain are not service connected as they are not shown to be related to his military service.,There is no current evidence of a disability manifested by leg pain.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative before the Board could make a decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, to include degenerative disc disease, did not manifest during service or within one year of separation from service and is not attributable to an event in service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal concerning the reopening of his claim for a low back condition, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his in-service snoring and turbinate swelling. The other issues on appeal have been remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining his complete service treatment and personnel records.

The Veteran's combined disability rating was 70 percent since October 1996, meeting the criteria for an additional allowance of DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1311(a)(2).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbosacral strain, finding no new and material evidence to support reopening the claim. The decision is final as it was issued in January 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination. The issues are whether he should receive an increased rating for his low back disability and if he qualifies for TDIU.

The Veteran's lumbar strain is rated at 10 percent since the beginning of her appeal, and she has been granted a compensable rating for seasonal allergic rhinitis. The initial disability ratings for recurrent atopic dermatitis prior to December 16, 2013, remain unchanged.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine condition, bilateral hip condition, bruised tailbone, and sciatic nerve disease as there is no currently diagnosed disability manifested by these conditions. The preponderance of evidence does not establish a link between any current disabilities and active military service.