Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and a need for further medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed diabetes mellitus, type II, and low back disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disability, neurologic abnormality of the left upper extremity, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, lumbar strain, and cervical spine disability have been granted. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding medical records and scheduling a VA examination to address his claims of secondary service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion to address whether the Veteran's service-connected right leg disability aggravated his claimed left knee and back disorders, as well as if his back disorder is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his left knee disorder.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, including all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal prior to the Board's decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea, bowel dysfunction, cervical spine disability, thoracic and lumbar degenerative disc disease with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and left knee disability were not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, mood disorder, is related to his service-connected right knee disability, cervical spine disability, and right shoulder disability. The Board finds that the Veteran has a lumbar spine disorder and a skin disorder related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete examination reports and unclear medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and right foot disability. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders cannot be granted as there is no credible evidence of an in-service injury or disease, and any current disabilities are not related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, finding that no new and material evidence has been submitted since the previous denial in September 1962.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The appeals regarding tinnitus and hearing loss have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected rebound headaches are rated as 10 percent disabling, but the Board finds that they do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating due to their nature and frequency.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his incarceration and the need for a video conference hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to his active military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes, with or without consideration of pain and other symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma, bilateral hearing loss, and low back disorder are not related to his military service. The psychiatric disorder is also denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between the condition and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.