Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination regarding her service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, low back disorder, and increased rating claims for cervical spine disorder, residuals of fractures to the right tibia, right talus, left pubic ramus, and tension headaches.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left ankle sprain and left patellofemoral pain syndrome were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran is seeking to have a previous denial of service connection for a lumbar spine disability reconsidered due to potential CUE. The case has been remanded for further action.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety or depression, and thus service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for his low back disability, including scoliosis, mechanical back pain, lumbar spondylosis, and lumbar radiculopathy to the left lower extremity. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to incomplete examination reports and the need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for scheduling a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen them.

The Veteran's back disability was evaluated at a 20 percent rating from January 15, 2013. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of this level during the period beginning January 15, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and evidence related to the back disability. The initial rating claim for narcolepsy will also be remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to outstanding documents that might contain relevant evidence supporting the service connection claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, but due to a grant of the issue on appeal, the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate further.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective June 24, 2010. The case was remanded for further proceedings due to the need for a retrospective medical opinion regarding the Veteran's employment from May 22, 2004, to August 21, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent since November 5, 2013. Prior to this date, the disability was rated as 10 percent due to limited range of motion in the lumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing the Veteran's representative an opportunity to submit written argument.

The Board denied claims for service connection for lumbar spine disorder, numbness of the fingers, and pulmonary disorder. The increased rating claim for headaches was also denied.

The Veteran's current back disability is not related to his active duty service, and the Board finds that there is no competent evidence suggesting a link between his in-service injury and his current condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current back disorder is likely due to an injury sustained during his service, and grants service connection for thoracic sprain with arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Board is remanding the claims of entitlement to service connection for left and right hip disorders and a low back disorder due to further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending as new evidence suggests it may be related to service, but further examination is needed.