Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities. The claims of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability, increased rating for left knee disability, and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder. The claim is currently in a pending status.

The Board has remanded this case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records from Dr. E.S.K.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining STRs and SSA records, as well as scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his low back disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a supplementary medical opinion regarding the use of Methadone prescribed by VA to treat the Veteran's back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck injury and headaches did not have their onset in service or within a year of discharge, and there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to military service.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a link between any diagnosed psychiatric disorder and military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and providing the Veteran's appointed representative an opportunity to review her claims folder.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of lumbar spondylosis was denied as the evidence did not show that his disability warranted a higher evaluation.

The Board has found in favor of the Veteran's claim for service connection, finding that credible evidence links his current lumbar spine disability to his military service, including diving. The Veteran's statements and testimony from his wife are considered along with medical opinions to support this conclusion.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative joint disease has been rated at 20 percent since December 16, 2009. The rating is maintained as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the reduction of the rating from 40% to 10% for the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability was proper, effective October 1, 2010.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome has been rated at 30 percent since October 1, 1999. The Board also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a right shoulder/clavicle disorder, hypertension, lumbar spine disorder, obesity, or osteoarthritis (left knee). The claim for service connection is denied.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining treatment records from the Wichita VAMC and adjudicating the issue of an extension of a temporary total rating due to treatment requiring convalescence. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining outstanding military personnel records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder, left knee disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and right lower extremity disability (including ankle).

Your claim for service connection for a low back disability has been granted, effective June 12, 2008.