Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, including spondylolysis L5-S1, degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and scoliosis, is related to his active service. The condition was noted upon entry into service and is considered a new and material issue due to the reopening of the claim based on additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and need for additional records, including those related to a 1977 work-related injury. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered in light of these new developments.

Prior to July 8, 2013, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent for arthritis of the lumbosacral spine with bilateral radiculopathy.,From July 8, 2013, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent for degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis of L5 and S1.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a right shoulder disorder and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The claim for service connection for a low back disorder is remanded to obtain an addendum opinion from the July 2011 VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disease has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete development of his claims file. He needs to provide any private treatment records related to his service-connected lumbar strain and the VA will obtain them on his behalf.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not service-connected and denied his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is the result of an in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted. The issue regarding the left knee disability will be remanded as it requires additional development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity were denied. The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective July 18, 2005.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and bilateral knee disability, finding no competent evidence relating these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left hand disorder and lumbar spine disorder were not incurred or aggravated by her active duty service.

The Board has ordered a remand for further development and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder. The case will be returned to the Board after the additional development is completed.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including arthritis and associated neurological symptoms, is rated at 20 percent disabling. The Board also granted TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various conditions, including hypertension, psychiatric disorders, lung issues, head trauma, sleep apnea, headaches, and several other conditions. The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VAMC records from February 2015 onwards and a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and schedule a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, lumbosacral spine disorder, hearing loss of the left ear, and tinnitus of the left ear as these conditions are related to military service.,Service connection is granted based on direct evidence showing a link between current disabilities and military service.

The Board found that new evidence submitted since the last denial supports reopening the claim for service connection, but did not find a causal link between the Veteran's current low back disability and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of records.