Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed lumbar spine, bilateral hip, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate VA examination and the need for a new opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine and left lower extremity disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise on the question of whether currently diagnosed hearing loss is related to service, and resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability was denied, but his claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to July 19, 2013, and in excess of 20 percent as of that date has been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed DDD is not related to any event of service origin and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his left wrist disability and to provide a more definitive opinion regarding the etiology of his low back disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased rating, and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete compliance with prior Board directives. Additional medical records must be obtained from Rosemeyer Chiropractic and VA treatment records must be secured.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected lumbar spondylosis was denied. The RO assigned a 40 percent evaluation from October 13, 2010, and the Veteran is not entitled to higher ratings under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck and low back disabilities are etiologically related to his military service, leading to a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's additional disability was not caused by VA treatment, and denied his claim.

The Veteran's back disability was evaluated as 10 percent prior to May 30, 2007, and 20 percent since then. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any current disability manifesting as dizziness and/or low back pain. The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for adjudication of the claim for TDIU, and the Veteran is advised to provide additional evidence if necessary.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including referral to the Under Secretary for Benefits or Director of Compensation and Pension Service for consideration of an extraschedular rating for service-connected radiculopathy of the right lower extremity secondary to a lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records. The Veteran's appeal remains pending and will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar disc disease and bilateral radiculopathy, left ankle disability, tinnitus, and hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development of his VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and failure to comply with remand directives. The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hip disorders and mid and low back disorders are now before the AOJ.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disabilities are less likely than not related to his service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.