Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine, is at least as likely as not related to his in-service injury. The evidence is in relative equipoise on this question.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to concerns about VA's compliance with its duty to assist in conjunction with the Veteran's incarceration.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is aggravated by his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of her service-connected disabilities on her ability to work.

The Board has determined that a low back disability, diagnosed as DJD of the lumbar spine, had its onset during service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to reconsider the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for depression, anxiety, and a bilateral knee disorder. The new evidence submitted since the previous denial includes relevant official service department records not previously considered. As such, these claims are reopened. However, no new evidence was found that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder or tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to his relocation and failure to report to scheduled VA examinations. The case is now pending again with the AMC.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's low back disability is being evaluated again with additional evidence and a thorough examination.

The Veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis was granted service connection, while his low back and left hip disabilities were denied. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including an examination and consideration of treatise evidence regarding vertebral compression fractures. The issues include service connection for a back disorder, depression, bilateral leg disorders, brain hemorrhage, PTSD, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The Board found no evidence linking the appellant's current cervical and lumbar spine or right testicle removal disabilities to his military service, thus denying service connection for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO/AMC for initial review of new evidence submitted by the Veteran, including private medical records from August 2012 to March 2013. The claim will be reconsidered and a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) will be provided if necessary.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disorder is not related to his service or a service-connected disability, and thus does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability due to incomplete development of the record and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right foot disability, left foot disability, low back disability, and psychiatric disability (conversion reaction). The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require aid and attendance of another person, as his need for assistance is primarily due to his seizure disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's schizophrenia did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability. Claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a back disability has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back strain is being remanded to allow for additional examination and development of the record.