Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disability, low back disability, COPD, and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and effective date were denied. The initial compensable evaluations assigned prior to November 21, 2013, are not supported by the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development of his employment history and medical records, as well as for a new VA examination to address the nature and etiology of any bilateral leg disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, neck, bilateral knee, and acquired psychiatric disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board found no clear and convincing evidence of a preexisting psychiatric disorder, and the Veteran's current psychiatric condition is not related to service. The Board also found no evidence linking her current back disorder to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection and remanded them for additional development. The case is now back with the Board, where it will be readjudicated.

The Veteran's tension headaches have been rated at 50 percent since December 1, 2008. The Board found that the Veteran's very frequent and prolonged prostrating migraines meet the criteria for a 50 percent rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder and left leg/thigh numbness did not have their onset in service or are otherwise related to service, thus denying his claims for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back condition is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for an extraschedular evaluation and TDIU have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, back disability, and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claims of service connection for back disability and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his inability to attend the scheduled Travel Board hearing. His initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids and service connection claim for a back condition are pending.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and issues, including right and left ankle disorders, a hernia disorder, eye problems, back pain, and psychiatric symptoms. The case is being remanded to obtain additional records from the SSA and VA.

The Board has reopened the claim and found that there is sufficient evidence to establish service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the Veteran's service connection claims for a back disability, cervical strain, and bilateral knee disabilities. The claim is now considered on its merits.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on October 6, 2010 for treatment of low back pain were granted payment due to the emergency nature of his condition and lack of feasible VA availability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference or travel board hearing, and the claims file will be returned to the Board after the hearing.