Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for memory loss, PTSD, hemorrhoids, bilateral knee condition, headache disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. However, these claims have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between any current disabilities and service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability did not manifest during or as a result of active military service and is not due to the permanent aggravation of a preexisting condition. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease have been manifested by painful motion with functional loss equating to no worse than limitation of flexion to 20 degrees. The criteria for a rating greater than 20 percent for these conditions have not been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death from multiple myeloma, which was not shown in service or within a presumptive period.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current low back disability or sciatic pain that was incurred in service, and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has been notified of the appellant's request to withdraw the appeal, and therefore, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran has effectively lost the use of both lower extremities due to his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, which precludes him from using his legs without assistance. As a result, he is eligible for specially adapted housing but not for a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for higher initial ratings in excess of 20 percent for lumbar intervertebral syndrome, status post surgery with residual scars, and a higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development of the evidence, including obtaining updated VA and private medical records, arranging for an orthopedic examination to assess his neck disability, low back disability, and left knee disability, and readjudicating the claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of her claims, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's combined initial rating for service-connected disabilities was granted effective from September 20, 2001 and increased to a combined 100 percent rating effective from October 10, 2007. The appeal is denied as the claimant has not provided evidence of unemployability due solely to service-connected disabilities prior to this date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and a low back disability was denied as there is no evidence of hearing impairment or a low back disorder during service, and the current disorders are not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The Veteran's low back disability is being reviewed, but a definitive decision cannot be made without additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied. The RO decreased the evaluation from 20% to 10%, effective August 30, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine strain has been rated at 10 percent since June 1, 2009. The issue of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the low back is pending and will be addressed separately.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and clarifying the nature of his 'work study' program with VA.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for emergent care on March 19, 2010 are granted as the services were provided in an emergency department and a prudent layperson would have expected immediate medical attention due to her severe back pain.

The Veteran's low back disorders are not considered service-connected, as they are not shown to be related to his active duty or a presumptive condition. The Board found no evidence of aggravation by the service-connected left femur and/or left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a hearing issue, and the Veteran is scheduled for another videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.