Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

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

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 40 percent effective April 13, 2009. Since July 9, 2013, the rating has been increased to 50 percent.

The Veteran's back disability is being remanded for additional development, including a VA spine examination to determine if it is related to service. Relevant medical records will also be requested.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to evaluate his low back disorder and bilateral SNHL.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for low back strain, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction. The Veteran's current hypertension is not service-connected as it did not manifest within one year of active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and tinnitus are service-connected as they both had their onset during his military service.

The Board has determined that the November 2011 rating decision is not final and requires further development before a determination can be made on the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable from performing all forms of substantially gainful employment that are consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, left hip, and right hip disabilities are related to her active service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a new VA examination. The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is also being evaluated.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions and development in order to determine the nature of the Veteran's current back disability, its relationship to his service-connected fibromyalgia, and whether it is separate from his myofascial syndrome.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the Veteran's failure to appear for VA examinations and potential issues with notification of these appointments. The claim will be adjudicated based on the evidence in the file without a needed medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been rated appropriately, with the exception of his right knee strain and partial amputation of the left middle finger distal interphalangeal joint, which now receive higher initial ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations and issuance of a statement of the case on certain claims.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining substantial gainful employment since April 21, 2010. The Board finds that the criteria for TDIU have been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and sinusitis were not incurred or aggravated during his active military service. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and his service, nor do they meet the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent, and denied entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD, but not for other conditions such as heart disability, gastritis, or wrist disabilities.