Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The VA examiner opined that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder had its onset in or is otherwise related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records, as well as potential consideration of VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current low back disorder is related to service.

The Board has granted the appeal as to service connection for a scar of the right trapezius muscle. The appeals for hypertension, right eye dacryocystitis, and an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for low back strain have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and rating considerations, including a determination of whether a separate rating is warranted for any neurological abnormality associated with his back disability.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and development are needed before the claims can be fully adjudicated. The Veteran's PTSD and lumbosacral strain ratings, as well as his TDIU claim, will need to be reconsidered with new evidence and medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder in June 1985, and the Veteran did not request reconsideration. New evidence submitted since then does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosed lumbosacral spine disability is not related to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Indianapolis RO for transfer of jurisdiction due to her new residence, and rescheduling of a Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability, including discogenic pain with radiculopathy status post L4-S1 laminectomy and discectomy with left L5 radiculopathy, had its onset during his active duty service. Therefore, service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss are at least as likely as not related to his service-connected right ankle disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for VA treatment records, Social Security Administration (SSA) decision and supporting medical records, and a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for DDD of the thoracolumbar spine and DJD of the right knee were denied. The VA found that the disabilities did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, with no functional impairment or additional limitation due to pain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to inadequate VA examination opinions and incomplete evidence. The Veteran is required to provide information about any private or VA treatment he may have had for his right eye, bilateral ankle/feet, bilateral knee, bilateral hip, and lumbar spine disorders.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his back disability and sciatic radiculopathy was granted, with the effective date set at May 31, 2012.

The Veteran's initial rating for left ankle sprain is denied as his symptoms do not warrant a higher than 10 percent evaluation.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain clarification of a July 2011 VA examination and to provide an opinion on whether pre-existing right hip, left hip, or back disability clearly underwent a worsening during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and left ankle sprain are causally related to his active duty service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA spine examination and consideration of his TDIU claim.