Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran seeks service connection for a back disorder, which he claims is related to his service-connected Osgood-Schlatter disease of the left knee. The VA examiner's opinion did not address whether the service-connected condition caused or aggravated the back disability.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, effective September 10, 2013. His lumbar spine disability remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding the relationship between his current foot, knee, and back disabilities and his service-connected right ankle injury.

The Board has found that the Veteran's low back disability is a result of in-service injuries and his current left wrist arthritis may be related to his military service. The claim for service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of cold injury residuals, diabetes mellitus, or a back disorder during his military service. His dysthymic disorder and left knee disability have been rated appropriately.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbosacral spine disability and any related neurological symptoms. The examiner should also determine if he has a current sleep disability and whether it is related to service or his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, cervical spine strain with degenerative disc disease, and a left knee disorder. The claim for dental trauma for VA treatment purposes is pending.

The Veteran's back disability is found to be at least as likely as not related to his active service. The acquired psychiatric disorders are also found to be related to his service, with PTSD being diagnosed based on a stressor during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbosacral strain, to include as due to the service-connected left knee disability, is being remanded for additional development and an opinion from a VA physician.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn all claims on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete medical evidence and failure to follow all Board instructions. The case will be returned for a new VA examination with a retrospective and current medical opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not file a timely substantive appeal regarding his claims for service connection for depression, PTSD, and a lumbar spine disability. As such, these appeals are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his active service and has denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU based on service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate rationale in previous VA examinations and a new theory of entitlement (right knee disability).

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and right ear hearing loss due to lack of evidence linking the disabilities to service.,Service connection was granted for left ear hearing loss as being caused by military noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records, scheduling VA examinations, and attempting to obtain outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to attend scheduled hearings and the need for a videoconference hearing. The issues on appeal include service connection, rating increases, and TDIU.