Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2013

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, and to consider new evidence received after June 2009 remand. The appeal is currently in remanded status.

The Board found that the appellant's bilateral pes planus preexisted service and was not aggravated therein, and his low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying his reserve service.

The Board denied service connection for low back and bilateral leg disabilities as secondary to aseptic meningitis, finding no evidence of current conditions related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's conditions, including residuals of a right shoulder injury, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and low back disorder, are related to his active service. The appeal is granted.

[object Object]

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board finds that the Veteran's thoracic and lumbar spine disorders are related to her active service, with continuity of symptomatology. The Board also finds that her pre-existing hypothyroidism was aggravated by her second period of active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disability, right shoulder disability, and cervical spine disability have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing addendum opinions from a VA examiner and Dr. H.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of entitlement to TDIU. The case will be returned to the Board after completion of these actions.

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

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of higher ratings for spondylosis of the lumbar spine prior to August 19, 2010 and on and after August 19, 2010.

The Veteran claims service connection for multiple disabilities including bipolar disorder, a low back disability, and hepatitis C. The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete medical records.,The Veteran claims service connection for a low back disability and residuals of a right arm fracture. The Board has also remanded these issues due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete medical records.,The Veteran claims service connection for hepatitis C, which he alleges was caused by inoculations during active duty. The Board has also remanded this issue due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete medical records.,The Veteran claims service connection for cirrhosis of the liver, which he alleges is related to his hepatitis C infection. The Board has also remanded this issue due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his inability to attend the scheduled hearing because he was out of the country. He will be rescheduled for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable evaluation of 40 percent under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for DDD of the lumbar spine with right lower extremity radiculopathy effective from July 10, 2007 has been dismissed due to withdrawal.,The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has found that further development is needed, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his current level of disability. The claim will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims for service connection for low back and left hip disorders. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for further review due to issues related to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy, including consideration of lay statements regarding left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and low back disorder due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran is required to undergo additional VA examinations, and his claim will be readjudicated after all development.