Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination and for further development of the claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The Veteran is required to undergo another VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected spondylosis of the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is etiologically related to his active service, including an in-service fall, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are related to his active service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU prior to November 22, 2013 was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings are being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and to schedule him for new VA examinations to address the current nature and severity of his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and his service-connected thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's lumbosacral DDD is currently rated at 40 percent, effective April 16, 2015. The Board granted a 60 percent rating for the period prior to that date.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities can be decided. The Veteran's lay statements, medical records, and in-service events will need to be reviewed and evaluated.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to clarify whether he wants a Board hearing conducted by video conference or in person at the RO in Detroit, Michigan. The claims will be returned to the Board after the requested hearing.

The Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is related to his active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability has been denied as he does not have unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar or entire spine, and there is no evidence of incapacitating episodes sufficient to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and outstanding records that need to be obtained. The Veteran's service connection claims for low back and right ankle disabilities will be reconsidered after these additional steps.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to address the Veteran's spine and shoulder disabilities. The issues of service connection are still pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with VCAA notice and additional development is needed, including scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee and lumbar spine disabilities are related to his service-connected residuals of a left distal tibia and fibula fracture.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of records.

The Veteran's service-connected gastric erosions are rated at 10 percent, and his total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a neck injury and low back disorder have been granted. His ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and posttraumatic migraine headaches are also addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The claims related to service connection and undiagnosed illness are still pending.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability and finds that it is related to active service. The Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is considered to be directly related to his military service.