Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD and low back disability are not related to her military service, including any claimed exposure to harmful chemicals. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine complaints are related to aging and degeneration, rather than an injury sustained during service.

The Board has granted service connection for a right hip disorder, including as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining new VA examinations and obtaining relevant VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a VA medical examination and VCAA notice regarding secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as a generalized anxiety disorder, started in service and is related to his military service. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA examinations and reviewing all available service records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back disability is being remanded due to the need for further development of his medical records and an examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability and for obtaining additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a supplemental VA medical opinion and scheduling an appropriate VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of the cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, low back strain, and left hip bursitis) have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection have been granted, with the right knee disability receiving a total rating of 70 percent from June 29, 2010 to February 17, 2013, and since March 1, 2015. The Veteran is also entitled to TDIU and special monthly compensation based on housebound status.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and hypertension and his military service, thus denying both claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's inguinal hernia and back disability did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his hemorrhoids and current back disability, and readjudicating the issues on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the claims of service connection and rating for his disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, right elbow epicondylitis, recurrent muscle strain of the lumbar spine, residuals of a right ankle strain, residuals of a left ankle strain, and residuals of a cervical spine injury.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to May 23, 2011 or since that date.

The Board has awarded an extension of a temporary total evaluation for convalescence through May 19, 2005 for the Veteran's service-connected right herniorrhaphy surgery. The claim for an increased rating for low back disability is remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current back and wrist disabilities are not related to his active duty service. The evidence does not establish a current diagnosis of benign prostatic hypertrophy.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine (L4-L5) and remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to clarify the etiology of the Veteran's back condition.