Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's injuries resulting in sleep apnea and a skin bump occurred after his active service, specifically in October 1945. As this period does not qualify as qualifying service for compensation purposes under VA regulations, the claims of service connection are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine if his combined effect of all service-connected disabilities precludes him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to inadequate examination reports and a need for further medical opinions regarding his lumbosacral spine disability.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a lumbosacral spine disorder, which he contends is related to his right knee disability and an in-service injury. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current disorder of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded to allow for a new VA examination and additional development of his medical records, including SSA records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected lumbosacral spine disorder, and for obtaining all pertinent treatment records from the Las Vegas VAMC. The issues are inextricably intertwined due to the potential impact on the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD and thoracic and lumbar strain was denied as there is no evidence that VA received a claim prior to November 7, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including locating his Substantive Appeal and obtaining Social Security Administration records. The case will be reviewed again after the requested development.

The Veteran's HNP with lumbosacral strain does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability did not manifest during service and is not otherwise related to his military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability did not have its onset during active service or result from disease or injury in service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected as they are related to his active duty experience. The back disorder, arthritis of multiple joints, hypertension, and OSA do not have a direct link to his military service.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back and spinal cord disability, finding that there is no competent evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred on June 16, 2007 was denied as the circumstances did not constitute a medical emergency and VA facilities were available.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by her representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development of relevant treatment records, including VA and private medical records. The case will be re-adjudicated after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's request for service connection for a low back disability is being remanded due to the failure to hold his scheduled videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board for further action.