Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current low back disability is related to service. The TDIU claim will also be considered based on evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is not service-connected, but his erectile dysfunction secondary to prostate cancer is service-connected.

The Veteran's low back disorder and prostate cancer were denied service connection. The Board found no evidence of in-service events or symptoms, and the Veteran did not have qualifying service for presumptive exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claims were granted for service connection for various spinal disabilities and associated radiculopathies. The RO also increased her disability ratings for these conditions, with some changes effective May 23, 2013.

The Veteran's TMJD with bone resorption is rated at 50 percent effective August 25, 2008. The other issues on appeal are not currently before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule her for VA examinations to assess the severity of her low back disability and left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine has been productive of functional equivalent to 50 degrees of forward flexion, with muscle spasm and abnormal gait. The criteria for a rating of 20 percent have been met throughout the period on appeal.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability and remanded it for further development, including another VA examination to assess whether her current low back disability is related to her in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling of a VA examination and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations and opinions. The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back pain and right ankle sprain are pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for further development of the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not incurred during or as a result of his active service.

The Veteran's low back disability is manifested by localized pain on the right side of the low back, forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine between zero and 45 percent, muscle tenderness, and antalgic gait. The criteria for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent have not been met at any point during the pendency of this claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and requesting an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran's current back disability is related to his in-service injury. The Veteran will be provided with another supplemental statement of the case after any further action.

The Board denied service connection for ankylosing spondylitis of the hips and a rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain with traumatic arthritis of the low spine, finding no clear and unmistakable error.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is a result of his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new examination of his lumbar spine. The issues on appeal are whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for left hip disorder service connection and entitlement to an increased rating for DJD of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his lumbar spine disability and any associated lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has dismissed the appeals due to the Veteran's death.