Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability and radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The VA has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of a lower back disability being incurred or aggravated during his active duty service. The Board found that the service medical records do not show any such injury and that the Veteran's current symptoms are not confirmed by the available medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including a new examination to address the etiology of his back disability and another examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective September 16, 2005 due to her service-connected cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities. The effective date is the earliest date as of which it is factually ascertainable that an increase in disability had occurred.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his low back and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations, updated treatment records, and further development of the evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran seeks service connection for soft tissue sarcoma, which she claims is related to a fall during boot camp. The Board has ordered additional development as the current evidence does not provide sufficient clarity on whether her condition was caused by or aggravated by her service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding all issues except the earlier effective date for PTSD. The Board is dismissing these claims as a result.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and updated treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip, bilateral knee, and low back disabilities are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records from her TRICARE providers.

The Veteran's claims for a low back disability, hypersomnolence, left and right knee disabilities, and TDIU were denied. The Board finds that service connection is not warranted for the claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for an appropriate VA examination and to determine if an extra-schedular evaluation is warranted under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Board finds that the Veteran's right elbow tendonitis and epicondylitis were aggravated during active service.,The Board also finds that the Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis and biceps bursitis were incurred in active service.

The Board has determined that the September 2011 VA examination is inadequate and requires additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and a new opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent since June 11, 2016. He also has a separate compensable rating for sciatica of the left lower extremity.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and an addendum opinion regarding his back disability and respiratory condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disorder, finding that the Veteran's preexisting condition was aggravated during service. The claim of secondary service connection for a lumbar spine disorder is not addressed as it is related to the left knee disorder.

The Veteran's initial ratings for an acquired psychiatric disorder, headaches, and cervical muscle strain were granted. The remaining claims were denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claims for service connection for a back disability and psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The issues of entitlement to service connection for these conditions are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records. The issue of service connection for degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine to include as secondary to status post left total knee replacement remains on hold.