Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded for an additional VA examination to assess the current severity of the condition, as there are indications that it has progressed in severity since the last evaluation.

The Veteran has a current lumbar spine disability that includes arthritis, which is presumed to have been incurred during service. The Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disorder is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, and the evidence does not support a higher rating at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back disability was denied, as the evidence did not support an increase to a higher rating. The Veteran's range of motion was limited but did not meet the criteria for a 50 percent rating due to unfavorable ankylosis. There were no incapacitating episodes or neurological impairments noted.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding his back disorder.

The Board has found that remand is necessary to provide the Veteran with VA examinations of the lumbar spine and knees due to current diagnoses, service treatment records showing complaints and treatment for the knees, and lay statements indicating trauma during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, back disability (as secondary to a service-connected right knee disability), left shoulder disability, and left elbow disability are related to his active service. The Veteran's tinnitus and vision loss do not have onset during active service or are not etiologically related to active service. Adult acne is also not related to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is not related to service or his service-connected restrictive lung disease. The low back disability was less likely caused by service, but the examiner did not provide sufficient rationale for this conclusion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability, characterized as lumbosacral degenerative discogenic disease, is related to his military service and granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining the appellant's complete service treatment and personnel records. The claim will be reconsidered after this development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to missing examination reports and a Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain additional medical records and review the claim for service connection of a low back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's current degenerative arthrosis of the lumbar spine did not result from his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and chondromalacia patellae (knee) based on evidence showing these conditions are related to active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records related to his claimed bilateral shoulder and low back disabilities. A VA examination will also be scheduled to determine if these conditions are etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine DDD and right knee DJD are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be related to his military service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.,Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was not shown to be caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's current back symptoms have been attributed to nonservice-connected disorders, and his residuals of low back pain do not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.