Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran withdrew her appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to an increased disability rating for a service-connected back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and opinions regarding the Veteran's claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee and back disabilities did not manifest during service or are otherwise related to his active service, thus denying these claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability due to new and material evidence submitted. However, additional development is needed before the merits of the claim can be adjudicated.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his lumbar spine disability and obtaining medical records from all relevant sources. The TDIU issue will also be addressed in light of this new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, nor may it be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability is being reviewed due to his reported in-service injury and continuous symptoms since leaving military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's pre-existing pes planus was not aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar disability and right ear hearing loss are service-connected as they were incurred during active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicides during service, and his prostate cancer was not related to active duty. The back disability and left hand/thumb disability were also not connected to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and low back disabilities, both secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The Court remanded these issues due to insufficient rationale in the July 2009 VA opinion.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a stomach disorder and a lumbar spine disability, as new and material evidence has been received. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's initial ratings for chronic low back strain and left hip strain have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating codes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spine, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, residuals of a fracture of the nose, chronic rhinitis, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, have combined to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. As such, he is eligible for specially adapted housing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disabilities are not related to his service or a service-connected condition, and therefore, denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain was not shown to meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to February 1, 2013 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate medical opinions and outstanding records. The RO must obtain additional medical records, provide a supplemental opinion regarding the low back disorder, right shoulder disorder, erectile dysfunction, and lower extremity muscle cramping, and ensure that all development actions are completed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The claims of service connection for bilateral varicose veins with venous insufficiency, degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, and erectile dysfunction secondary to service-connected disabilities are still pending.

The Veteran's tinnitus began during service and is granted. The issues of bilateral hearing loss, left leg disorder, and back disorder are remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be fully adjudicated, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.