Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left upper extremity neuropathy, left ear hearing loss, increased ratings for right upper extremity radiculopathy and PTSD, as well as compensable ratings for tension headaches and right ear hearing loss due to procedural reasons.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and depression as secondary to his low back disorder have been denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant service treatment records and VA medical records.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's right shoulder, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disabilities to her service or any other occurrence during a qualifying period of service. The conditions are not related to her service-connected left shoulder disability or fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are not related to service, and his low back and left knee disorders did not manifest within one year of discharge from service.,His current low back disorder is not linked to service or a service-connected condition. His left knee disorder was also not linked to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and a supplemental VA opinion regarding the relationship between his low back disability and service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder (IBS) and denied service connection for a back disability, finding that the Veteran's IBS is related to her service in the Gulf War, while her back condition is not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective from November 21, 1995 to the present due to his service-connected low back disability and psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and no jurisdiction remains for the Board to consider the merits of these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder and lung disorder are not related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA medical examination to determine the current manifestations of his thoracolumbar spine disability, including ranges of motion and any functional limitations. More recent treatment records are also requested.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression as secondary to her service-connected left knee disability was reopened and granted.,Service connection has been established for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) as secondary to her service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a dental disability, increased rating for traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine, and TDIU were denied. The Veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for his traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine effective August 8, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for a speech disorder, secondary to the Veteran's service-connected TBI. The case is remanded for further development and readjudication of other issues.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for gout, low back disorder (other than residuals of a fractured coccyx), and residuals of a fractured coccyx are denied. The claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his current psychiatric disorder, bilateral feet disorders, and low back disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and pain radiating down the legs, as the additional evidence does not relate these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA/privately obtained treatment records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and bilateral hearing loss disability. However, both claims have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding of service connection.