Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent since September 8, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities effectively confine him to his dwelling and its immediate premises, qualifying for SMC based on the need for aid and assistance or housebound status.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in the dismissal of all issues on appeal.

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

The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder, including whether it is aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder sprain and cervical spine degenerative disc disease with secondary neck strain. The case will be returned for further review.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for gastritis, skin rash of the neck, chest, and back, and service connection for left groin pain have been withdrawn. The claim for service connection for hyperlipidemia has been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease and spondylosis at L3-4 and L5-S1, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are more likely related to his military service due to aggravation of his pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left hip/buttock disability, and prostate cancer are all found to be service-connected.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's disability ratings for lumbar strain, right and left lower extremity paresthesias was improper.,The RO reduced the Veteran's disability ratings from 40% to 10%, and from 10% to noncompensable, effective July 1, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied. His claim for service connection of a depressive disorder and/or PTSD was granted, but he is still seeking service connection for a bilateral knee disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right testicle disorder and low back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee disability and low back disability have been denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims. The right ankle disability and obstructive sleep apnea were also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's residuals of a head injury, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, diagnosed as lumbar disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, and lumbar strain, is etiologically related to her service-connected right hip disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure compliance with the Court's recent decision in Correia v. McDonald, and to obtain a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his neurological impairment of the lower extremities.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and will provide further development before making a decision on the claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition and determined that there is at least equipoise evidence to support the claim, granting service connection on a direct basis.

The Board found no evidence to support the claim that the Veteran's back disorder is related to his military service, and thus denied the claim.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development due to an inadequate VA medical nexus opinion. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability is being returned for further review.