Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity with left foot traction sural neuritis have been evaluated based on their current manifestations.,Service connection for residuals of a stroke has not been established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with a history of L4-L5-S1 fusion, was incurred in service due to a documented fall injury in March 1979.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a supplemental medical opinion from a VA examiner. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) for the loss of use of a creative organ will be deferred until further development of the inextricably intertwined issue is completed.

The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA spine examination. The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected low back disability will be reconsidered after this.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left ankle, hip, and low back disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the January 2008 denial is not new and material, thus denying the Veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for a low back condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, and tinnitus. However, these claims are being remanded due to outstanding evidence needed to substantiate the claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and granted it. The Veteran's bilateral knee degenerative joint disease is found to be related to his period of active duty service.

The Board has determined that a new VA medical opinion is necessary to address the relationship between the Veteran's current lumbosacral spine pathology and associated nerve impairment, and the in-service motorcycle accident in August 1978. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions on the nature and etiology of his sleep apnea and thoracolumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is rated appropriately at 10 percent, his bilateral knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and his back disorder is not related to a service-connected disease or injury.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination to address the etiology of the appellant's low back disorder and left knee disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disorder did not have its onset during service or within a year of discharge, and is not related to any in-service injury. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's back disorder is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims due to inadequate VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability and because the outcome of his claim for service connection for a low back disability is pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including post-operative degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and asthma, prevent her from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The appellant's claim of service connection for a low back disorder will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the claims of service connection for hypertension, a right knee disorder, and a lumbar spine disorder, as well as the claim to reopen the claim for service connection for a left knee disorder. As such, these issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his attorney, and as a result, the claims are dismissed.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, and the Board does not have further jurisdiction to consider them.