Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran seeks service connection for a lumbosacral spine disorder, including degenerative disc disease. The Board finds that further development is needed before the claim may be adjudicated.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation of 10 percent or higher for his lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative changes is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for further evidentiary development due to the Veteran's complaints of worsening back pain and decreased range of motion. A VA examination is required, and SSA records must be obtained.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, including as secondary to service-connected disabilities. This includes obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a new examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is etiologically related to service, and thus granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine. The knee issues remain pending as a new examination is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence, including clinical records from Fort Jackson and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's residuals of a low back injury, strain and sacroiliitis have been rated at 20 percent since January 1, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's low back disability and associated neurological manifestations. The Veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected low back condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability was not incurred or aggravated during his active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claim for service connection is thus denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence received, including a diagnosis of liver cancer.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims for bilateral knee, hip, back disabilities, diabetes mellitus, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities. The Veteran's current conditions are presumed unrelated to his military service.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 40 percent evaluation for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, finding that it was factually ascertainable that the increase occurred on August 11, 2005.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and bipolar disorder) as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including cervical spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, was first manifested in service and is therefore considered to have been incurred therein. The Board has granted the claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's current diagnosis of DJD of the lumbar spine is presumed to be related to his in-service injury due to falling down stairs during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder has been reopened, and he is now receiving a 100% rating for his bipolar disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was reduced from 70% to 50%, but the Board found that this reduction was improper and restored the original 70% rating.