Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the case is being remanded to obtain missing VA treatment records, provide appropriate VA examinations, and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU benefits was granted effective from the date of receipt of his February 22, 2008 claim. The combined rating for his service-connected disabilities has been in place since April 8, 2006.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability has been rated at 20 percent since July 25, 2008. His low back strain has also been rated at 20 percent since that date.

The Board found that the Veteran's right arm condition was not incurred in or aggravated by service, as it pre-existed his military service and any aggravation was temporary.,Regarding the cervical spine condition, the Board determined that the disability existed prior to service and was not aggravated beyond its natural progression.

The Veteran's mechanical mid-low back pain has been rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The Board finds that the current disability picture does not warrant a higher evaluation as there are no incapacitating episodes or intervertebral disc syndrome present.

The Board found that the necessity for the Veteran's right above the knee amputation was not caused by VA's carelessness, negligence, or error in judgment. The amputation resulted from an embolism and subsequent thrombosis of his leg.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disorders are not related to his active military service.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of T11-T12 through L1-L1 has been rated at 10 percent since March 8, 2007. The current examination shows forward flexion greater than 60 degrees and no ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's request for a Board hearing has been granted, and he is scheduled for the next available video-conference or Travel Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule him for a video-conference hearing before the Board. The issues are service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and a back disability on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a grade one anterolisthesis of the low back was denied. The claim for payment of an additional two months of temporary total disability compensation for service-connected prostate cancer, status post prostatectomy, is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues, including service connection claims and an increased rating claim. The Board found no evidence of PTSD or a diagnosis thereof, and the right knee disability did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and bilateral lower extremity sciatica.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current degenerative disc disease is etiologically related to service. The claim will be returned after obtaining additional medical records and opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for back, right ankle, and bilateral knee disorders as due to a qualifying chronic disability. The issue of service connection for a bilateral foot disorder and headaches is being remanded.,Headaches are secondary to the service-connected irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that an evaluation in excess of this rating is not warranted. The left knee and low back disabilities are not service connected.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on housebound status was denied as he does not meet the criteria for a single permanent disability rated at 100% disabling, and his disabilities do not result in him being substantially confined to his home.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and low back scar have been granted service connection, with a 20% initial rating for the lumbar spine disability.