Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issues of service connection for plantar fasciitis, increased ratings for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder have all been dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for further examinations of his service-connected traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic headaches.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder is related to his military service, including carrying heavy equipment and weapons. The remaining claims for other conditions are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to substantiate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining STRs and corroborating his account of events during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran timely filed a VA Form 9 within 60 days of receiving the SOC, despite some procedural issues with his representation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and back disability with radiculopathy were not incurred or aggravated during his military service, and thus denied these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder is related to her service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip, knee, and ankle disabilities are secondary to his service-connected low back strain.,Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is not related to service, and thus denies his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, effective January 24, 2013. The Veteran's claims for other conditions remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic lumbar strain warrants a disability rating of 40 percent from August 22, 2009 to September 30, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, finding that it is related to his active service. The right ankle disability claim and TDIU issue are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's low back disability was found to have been manifested by forward flexion of the lumbar spine at 45 degrees, with pain and lack of endurance. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the period prior to February 12, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain and TDIU are being remanded due to procedural issues, including the need to obtain private medical records and employment records.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the earliest time permitted. The Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and lumbar strain, as well as special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance, are currently before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a videoconference hearing and the need to ascertain his current address.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine the Veteran's duty status during the period of his reported low back injury, and to obtain all relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that there are no current disabilities for any of the claimed conditions, and thus service connection is not warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral ankle and wrist disorders, lumbar spine disorder, tinnitus, and somnambulism. The decision found that there was no evidence of chronic or compensable disabilities during service or within one year post-service.