Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and reopening of service connection claims were denied. The tinnitus claim was not reopened as there is no new evidence relating to a previously unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim. The hearing loss claim was also not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The skin condition and back disability claims were reopened, but service connection was not granted.

The Board found no evidence of current hearing loss, tinnitus, or back disability related to service. The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative changes and cervical spine disability have been rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, and he is not entitled to a higher evaluation. The Board has also found that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a change in the hearing officer at the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for low back and coccyx disorders, but denied reopening of the claim for right lower extremity radiculopathy due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical examination, and further development is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity as to effectively preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment for which the Veteran's education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The TDIU issue remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability is being remanded due to the need for an addendum VA examination and consideration of his lay statements regarding in-service back pain.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of the TDIU claim. The issues on appeal are whether she should receive an increased rating for her service-connected lumbar strain and if she qualifies for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding private medical records and missing service treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including consideration of new evidence and provision of VCAA notice regarding a TDIU claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both legs, finding that it is not related to his service-connected lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including the need for a VA examination to address his lumbar spine disability and its relationship to service. The other issues are also being remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the resolution of the service connection claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is related to his in-service neck injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted as accrued benefits.

The Veteran's current lumbar spine disability, including lumbosacral strain with acute disc rupture and postoperative fusion at L3-L5, is considered to be at least as likely as not incurred during his active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination and considering whether the Veteran's current low back disability may be related to service.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back disability in service or within one year post-service, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that any current low back disability is related to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have qualifying chronic disabilities characterized by symptoms of lumbar spine pain, gastrointestinal complaints, or sinus arrhythmia and cardiac murmur. The Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing before the RO. The issues include reopening claims for service connection and seeking ratings for various conditions.