Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a video conference hearing as requested in his August 2009 VA Form 9. The RO must reschedule the Veteran for a hearing at his local RO using his most recent address of record.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, hearing loss, head trauma residuals, facial scars, neck disability, and low back disability. The appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the nature and etiology of his claimed foot disabilities and lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, neck disability, bilateral hearing loss, headaches, and acquired psychiatric disability. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his military service and therefore, denies service connection for a low back disability. The left ankle disability claim will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is granted. The issues of lumbosacral strain, right and left hip sprain, right and left knee arthritis, and bilateral pes planus are dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a right arm and shoulder condition, neck condition, back condition, right wrist condition, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, which was service-connected, contributed to his death from suspected pulmonary embolism. As a result, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of his left shoulder and lumbar spine conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine strain and right hip degenerative changes are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no evidence of additional limitation or impairment warranting a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and worker's compensation records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder, including congenital fusion of T12 and L1, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The examiner will be asked to provide opinions regarding the nature and etiology of any current low back disorders, whether they are related to service or pre-existing conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for a back disorder is not supported by new and material evidence, thus denying the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation, and the preponderance of the evidence did not support a nexus to service.

The Board has ordered additional development due to outstanding records, including SSA and Vet Center treatment records. The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical opinions and issues involving service connection for a left knee disability, low back disability, and groin pain.

The Veteran was found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities for the period from April 12, 2006 to May 4, 2011.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disability during service or within one year after separation, and the VA examiner opined that the current condition is less likely related to any in-service injury. The Veteran's statements regarding continuity of symptomatology were not supported by medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is not related to his service, and denied his claim for service connection. The psychiatric disorder was also denied as there was no evidence linking it to service or a service-connected condition.