Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is related to his service-connected lumbosacral myositis, and the Board finds that he has PTSD due to a stressor from an in-service accident. The right leg lumbar radiculopathy is not shown to be caused or aggravated by the service-connected lumbosacral myositis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain STRs, provide VA examinations, and review the medical history of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verification of service dates and treatment records related to his ankle injury in 1982. He also needs a VA examination to determine the relationship between any current left ankle and leg conditions and his military service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a bilateral eye disability, hay fever, cellulitis of the face and fungus infection of the left foot. The Veteran's current assertions as to continuity of symptomatology since service raises a question as to whether his current disabilities are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from New York Presbyterian Hospital and its affiliates. The Veteran's claims regarding service connection for low back disability and acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as schizophrenia) will be reconsidered after this information is obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The issues include initial ratings for hypertension, lumbar strain, and PTSD with major depression, as well as TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for stenosis of the lumbar spine has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar myofascial pain syndrome is manifested by significant muscle spasms and guarding that result in abnormal gait or spinal contour, warranting a 20 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran is also to be provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current low back disability and psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his active service and grants entitlement to service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertensive heart disease, hyperactive bladder, right hip disability, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right knee and left knee disabilities, right ankle sprain, and furunculous of the neck and back, are found to prevent him from obtaining or retaining employment. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability and finds that myofascial lumbosacral syndrome is etiologically related to active service. The issue of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for hypertension will be remanded as it was not addressed in the July 2013 decision.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 20 percent, and her Meniere's disease is rated separately. The Board denied the higher initial rating for the back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the Veteran's service-connected back disability and its impact on her ability to work. The appeal will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hip disorder and lumbar spine disorder are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination, as well as the potential relevance of his reserve service records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully consider the appellant's claims for service connection for groin and low back disabilities, including obtaining relevant service records and private treatment records. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his lumbar strain has been remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations, particularly regarding his service-connected left thigh shell fragment wound and any potential psychiatric disability. The case will be returned to the Board for further consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an examination and opinions regarding the etiology of any current lumbar spine disorder and left hip disorder. The Veteran's claims will be re-adjudicated after this is done.