Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The case has been REMANDED due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The claim of service connection for low testosterone, claimed as a hormonal imbalance, was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to service connection for various conditions, including a low back disorder. The Veteran's claims are currently under review.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, including obtaining records from VA facilities and arranging for an addendum opinion by a VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for the RO to consider evidence submitted since the most recent Supplemental Statement of the Case and obtain VA treatment records, Social Security Administration records, and the May 2010 rating decision. The matter will be readjudicated with consideration of all pertinent evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition are not related to service. Therefore, these claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a spine examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected lumbar strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbosacral DDD is as likely as not traceable to his active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinion from the VA examiner and need for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition. The claim regarding a back disability remains pending as further development is needed.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, the maximum available rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The residuals of his left fibula fracture are not service-connected and do not warrant a separate evaluation. The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to assess whether the Veteran's current low back disability is due to service or if it was aggravated by service. The appeal will be returned to the AOJ after completion of this examination.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 60 percent, but the evidence does not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and dismissed the appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee disability. The claim of service connection for sterility is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing medical opinions regarding her current diagnoses and their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a low back injury during service and the need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and addendum medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic lumbosacral strain, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, fibromyalgia, chronic right shoulder strain, chronic left shoulder strain, and right upper extremity neuritis, all effective September 1, 2009.

The Veteran does not have a current low back disability that is attributable to military service.