Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied. The Board found that the current disability picture did not warrant a higher evaluation under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and inpatient hospitalization records from Fort Gordon Base Hospital. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder will be readjudicated after all development is completed.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for a low back disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder. The preponderance of evidence does not support these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment prior to December 15, 2006.

The Board is remanding the case for scheduling a videoconference hearing to address all issues on appeal, including reopening claims and service connection.

The claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied, as the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings. The claim for DIC was also denied due to lack of evidence showing that the cause of death was related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA records. The issues of service connection for a left knee disability, increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining workers' compensation records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen her claim of service connection for a low back disability and found that new and material evidence has been received. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records from service and after-service, and an examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's current low back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain service treatment records and medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and providing the Veteran with a competent medical examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis was not reopened. The left foot Lisfranc sprain is rated at 10 percent, and the lumbar strain remains at 20 percent. No new rating has been granted for right or acquired psychiatric disorders.

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

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 40 percent effective February 3, 2014. The rating is for pain on motion and degenerative changes in the spine.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected lumbar strain and radiculopathy. The Veteran also needs to provide any outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of PTSD, lumbar arthritis, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and irritable bowel syndrome were denied as there was no evidence of a claim prior to May 16, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back and neck disorders are not related to his military service. The claims for right knee disorder, dental disorder, and left knee disorder have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received.

The Board found that the Veteran's current multilevel degenerative disc and joint disease is not etiologically related to his active service, including a reported fall off a helicopter during service. The disability was diagnosed many years after service and there is no clear evidence of in-service injury or chronic symptomatology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.