Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination and retrieval of VA outpatient records. The issues include claims for higher ratings for service-connected right shoulder tendonitis/bursitis, cervical strain, and dorsolumbar strain, as well as an issue regarding special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for service-connected lumbar and cervical spine conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the severity of her conditions, including consideration of flare-ups.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected schizophrenia.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted higher ratings, but the rating for his spine remains at 20 percent. The Veteran is still denied separate ratings for his lower extremities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for service connection for left leg pains and numbness was previously denied in July 1988 and has not been reopened. Service connection for cervical and right leg disorders are also denied.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent effective from May 2013, with symptoms including pain and limited range of motion. The right ear disorder issue was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to a lack of issuance of a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC).

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining additional medical records and providing a VA examination to address his respiratory distress and chemical sensitivity.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 20 percent prior to April 30, 2015 due to limited forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine and no other significant findings.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and granted an initial non-compensable rating for a left upper lip scar. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including a lumbar spine disability and left knee disability. The issues include seeking increased ratings for these conditions as well as TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left knee disability causally related to, or aggravated by, service. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic thoracolumbar spine strain is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for higher initial ratings in all three issues related to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and reconstructing medical data. The Veteran's service connection claims will be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's bilateral hip disorder and lumbar spine disorder are being reviewed for possible service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have not met the criteria for a temporary total rating or an extension of such rating beyond June 1, 2012.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as left leg atrophy are being remanded for additional development to determine if they are related to his service-connected right buttock gunshot wound.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the failure to schedule a hearing.