Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that could be linked to the current condition. The other issues on appeal were not addressed.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition in service. The current conditions are attributed to normal wear and tear over the years.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to procedural errors and to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are not related to his military service, as there is no credible evidence of an in-service injury or disease. The VA examiners found no connection between the current disabilities and any events during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 40% and his right chondromalacia patella and left chondromalacia patella are each rated at 10%. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether a higher rating for either condition is warranted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to September 28, 2010. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current headaches and lumbar disc disease are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining additional evidence. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered based on the new information.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a bulging disc and arthritis in the lumbar spine status post lammectomy with fusion and burr removal, finding that new and material evidence had not been received. The right knee condition and bilateral hip condition claims were also denied.,There is no credible evidence of record indicating any current right knee or bilateral hip conditions related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the evidence does not support an extension of a temporary total rating beyond April 30, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer disease substantially contributed to his death, and thus grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and workers' compensation records. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left hip disability is secondary to his service-connected left knee disability and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, low back disability, and neck disability are being remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record. The VA will schedule him for examinations to determine if his conditions began during service or are related to any incident of service.