Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's service dates and obtain her complete treatment records. The appeal will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder is being remanded due to insufficient detail in the examination reports and need for additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for Special Monthly Compensation at the housebound rate since August 1, 2010 is being remanded due to incomplete information and need for further evaluation of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right foot disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and low back disorder are not related to service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spinal stenosis and left lumbar radiculopathy is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected low back strain and TBI with residual headaches do not meet the criteria for higher ratings. The Board found that his current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, as well as whether he has a separate disability manifested by testicular pain that is related to service or secondary to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder is being remanded due to the need for an addendum medical opinion and further development.

The Board has determined that recoupment of the Veteran's separation pay is proper, but a waiver of this recoupment is not warranted due to lack of legal merit.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 10 percent prior to October 14, 2011 and is not entitled to a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disorder is related to his service, including his service-connected left total knee replacement and right total knee replacement. As such, service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted.

The Veteran's metal brace for his service-connected low back disability causes wear and tear on his clothing, warranting a clothing allowance for the year 2014.

The claim for service connection for hypertension has not been reopened due to the lack of new and material evidence, but the claim for a low back disorder was reopened.,The Veteran's low back disorder is considered direct service connection as there is no evidence showing it occurred in or was caused by service.

The Veteran's hypertension and back disorder claims were granted, while his dental disorder claim was denied. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted (hypertension) and others not (dental disorder). Service connection for the dental condition was decided on the merits.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed back disability, including degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease, is related to his military service. The Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records to determine if service connection is warranted for bilateral knee disorder, low back disorder, seizure disorder, and headaches.

The Veteran's hypertension, back condition, and right leg condition are all found to be related to his honorable period of active duty service. The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of her claims. Her cervical spine, lumbar spine, left hip disabilities, and IBS are all under review.

The Veteran's myofascial syndrome of the cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The Veteran's right clavicular fracture is rated at 10 percent, but no higher.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent from December 1, 2006 to June 11, 2007. Since then, the disability has been rated at 40 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and 10 percent for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective from June 11, 2007.