Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate evidence and need for further development, including a new VA examination.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining in-patient clinical records from the Balboa Naval Hospital and a VA examination to assess the current level of severity of the Veteran's plantar fasciitis. The issue of entitlement to TDIU will be deferred until these claims are resolved.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative changes of the lumbar spine with spina bifida occulta is causally or etiologically related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy were granted, but the ratings are limited to 10 percent each. The Board found no evidence of intervertebral disc syndrome or more than mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and further development of the claims.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for chronic lumbosacral strain was denied, as the evidence did not show that his current low back symptoms were related to service-connected disability. The claims for bilateral knee and right ankle disorders were also denied.

The Veteran's low back and knee disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and the incurrence or aggravation of arthritis during such service may not be presumed.,The Veteran's current bilateral knee disability was first noted many years after his discharge from service.

The Veteran died of a myocardial infarction. The Board found that his service-connected disabilities did not cause, hasten, or substantially contribute to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's participation in live artillery fire exercises during service caused this condition. Service connection was denied for low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for a back disability and whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim of psychiatric disability. The Veteran's claims will be adjudicated again after further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for a supplemental opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including whether it is related to service or pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active service, and the Board finds that he has a current diagnosis of bilateral tinnitus. The criteria for entitlement to service connection for tinnitus have been met.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, but denied service connection for lumbar spine and right knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current pathology of his left wrist or hips, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions. The claims are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and hypertension, finding that these conditions are related to service. The claim for colonic diverticulitis is denied as there is no current diagnosis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to include obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his sleep apnea, psychiatric disorders, and lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions and records, particularly from VA medical centers.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent since July 12, 2013. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted prior to January 20, 2011, and denied the claim for an increased rating.