Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for hemorrhoids, denied all other claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a video conference hearing. Service connection claims for left knee and back disabilities are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disorder and lung disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine was granted, and an initial rating of 10 percent is assigned for the period from September 1, 2007, to November 23, 2014, and in excess of 10 percent for the period beginning November 24, 2014.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right ankle disability, left ankle disability, and lumbar spine strain due to inadequate examination reports. The claim for plantar fasciitis remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including requesting information about physician-ordered bed rest episodes and scheduling a VA spine examination. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating prior to December 13, 2013, is now pending.

The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and tinnitus. The case is being remanded due to incomplete VA examination reports, failure to obtain all relevant medical records, and other procedural issues.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for bilateral double vision and back disorder resulting from a fall at a VA Medical Center in April 2003 were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as lumbar degenerative disc disease, is related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to need for additional examinations and treatment records, as well as further consideration of DeLuca factors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is service-connected, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor. The Board also found that there was not enough evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's arthritis of the knees and service.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, but both issues are REMANDED to obtain additional medical records and provide further examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed foot, knee, and back disorders are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for low back strain with spondylolysis and service connection for a respiratory condition, to include asthma, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence.

The Veteran is seeking a separate compensable rating for neurological symptoms associated with his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The Board has remanded the case to obtain updated VA treatment records and conduct an examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a flare-up examination, and ensuring all requested actions are completed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of cataracts has been reopened. The Board finds new and material evidence to support the reopening of his claim, but does not find that he currently has a heart disorder or any other disability related to service. His sleep apnea is rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 6847. His narcolepsy is rated at 40 percent and his degenerative disc disease with low back pain is also rated at 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss, lumbar spine disability (claimed as scoliosis), atrial fibrillation, AV node ablation, pacemaker/defibrillator dependence, heart murmur, and degeneration of the cervical spine do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code. The Board also found that there is no evidence to support service connection for these conditions.

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