Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating evaluation for his lumbosacral strain with IVDS and osteoporosis has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities did not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a new VA spine examination to assess the severity of his service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of her claims, including a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy with neurogenic claudication of the bilateral lower extremities have resulted in a TDIU as of June 22, 2015. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a low back injury, bilateral shoulder disorder, bilateral leg disorder, and left foot disorder. The decision found that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and a VA examination. The issues of service connection for low back, bilateral ankle, left foot, and right foot disabilities are on appeal.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his service-connected lumbosacral degenerative disc disease with facet joint arthrosis and intervertebral disc syndrome prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's current degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine to his military service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal includes a complex procedural history and was adjudicated to the extent that only the thoracic spine, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and TDIU claims remain in appellate status. The VA granted an increased rating for the service-connected thoracic spine disorder from 20 percent to 40 percent effective December 26, 2006; denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for right carpal tunnel syndrome; and granted a TDIU prior to March 30, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records related to his service-connected conditions and any new disabilities. The effective date of the award of service connection for anxiety disorder remains without legal merit.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the case can be decided. The Veteran's low back disability may be related to his service, but a new VA examination and medical report are required for proper adjudication.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete medical records. The issues of service connection for low back disability, bilateral hip disability, and neurological disorder affecting extremities are inextricably intertwined.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder did not have its onset in service or for many years thereafter and is not otherwise etiologically related to service. As a result, the claim for service connection for a low back disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and vocational rehabilitation records. The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are inextricably intertwined with his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, hypertension, and heart condition are all found to be related to service.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's GERD as secondary to his service-connected sleep apnea.,A compensable initial evaluation for the Veteran's left foot fracture prior to February 22, 2016, and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent thereafter are also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right hand middle and ring fingers, as well as service connection for back disabilities. The rating assigned was 10 percent for each finger disability, which is the maximum allowed under Diagnostic Code 5230.

The Board found the Veteran's service-connected disabilities met the schedular criteria for TDIU, but his employability status was unclear due to mixed reports of employment and unemployment. The case is REMANDED for further development including obtaining a VA Form 21-8940 from the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for clarification of the Veteran's service connection claim. The Veteran is requested to provide information about any VA or non-VA health care providers who have treated him since service for his claimed back disorder.

The Veteran's bilateral hip disorder, bladder disorder, and erectile dysfunction are not service connected as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.,Service connection for these conditions is denied.