Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

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

The Board has ordered additional development due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination and lack of updated contact information. The case is now remanded for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine did not meet or nearly approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to April 12, 2011.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for PTSD and Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine were denied. The appeal was dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have started during service and is therefore granted service connection. The low back disability and sleep disorder claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased evaluations for right ankle avulsion fracture residuals, service connection for left knee and low back disorders were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to March 1, 2013, or a 20 percent evaluation after March 1, 2013 for right ankle avulsion fracture residuals. Service connection was also denied for left knee and low back disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and multiple spine conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board granted a 40 percent evaluation for the low back disability since May 12, 2014. The Veteran was also granted TDIU effective June 15, 2012.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disability is not related to his military service and denied both his claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted and issues needing clarification.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable or unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period on appeal prior to February 26, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate April 2014 VA examination, and a new examination is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected pes planus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder did not develop during service and is not related to any in-service injury. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and low back disorder. The claim was remanded to obtain additional development but the issues were again denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and providing opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The issues of radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities remain before the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to service and thus denied all of his service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new examination. The issues are related to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has remanded the case for compliance with a previous remand order, issuance of a Statement of the Case regarding entitlement to TDIU, and for obtaining updated VA medical treatment records. The issues on appeal include increased ratings for low back disorder and cervical spine disorder.