Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability did not originate in service and is not otherwise etiologically related to service. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, depression, and personality disorder, is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration of new evidence. The issue remains about an increased rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a travel Board hearing. The issues are related to reopening claims for service connection.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disorder, including degenerative disc disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is unrelated to active duty. The cervical spine disorder resolved without chronic residuals during service and is also unrelated to active duty. The skin disorder of the feet was not shown in service and is unrelated to active duty.,The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disorder (including degenerative disc disease), cervical spine disorder, and skin disorder of the feet were all determined to be not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure a complete record before deciding the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and denied his claim.

The Board has dismissed the appeal in the matter of increased ratings for adjustment reaction with depressive symptoms due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability is granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, residual scar of the right hand, allergic rhinitis, and seborrheic dermatitis were all rated at 10 percent. The left ankle disorder was not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, vision impairment, and neurological disorders. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran does not have a foot disability, obstructive sleep apnea, or a back disability that was caused by his service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a back disability and granted it. Bilateral hearing loss was not found to be related to service, while pseudofolliculitis barbae is considered new evidence of an existing condition.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is found to be related to his active duty service and service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis of the upper extremities is not related to his active service and denied this claim. The claim for reopening the disability of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spines was also denied as no new and material evidence had been received.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has determined that a medical evaluation is warranted to determine if the Veteran has a current lumbar spine disability related to his military service, including an injury in July 1982. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a low back disability. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability was also denied as there is no medical evidence linking it to military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to gather additional evidence and conduct examinations for his service-connected disabilities, specifically prostate cancer residuals and degeneration of the lumbar spine. The RO/AMC will attempt to obtain updated treatment records from private physicians and schedule VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a video conference Board hearing at the RO. The issues on appeal include service connection claims and increased rating claims.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and need for clarification of opinions.

The Board has remanded the appellant's claims due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions.