Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability. The case is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further action.

The Board has determined that the current schedular evaluation of 40 percent adequately reflects the Veteran's disability level and symptomatology, and therefore, an extraschedular rating is not warranted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and bilateral leg disability, including as secondary to a low back disability. The October 2002 rating decision denying these claims is final.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating prior to July 21, 2011 or as of that date. The current evaluations are appropriate.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) due to his service-connected disabilities, which may render him unemployable.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, and a separate compensable evaluation for a residual surgical scar associated with this condition has been granted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including whether there are flare-ups of pain and limitations in range of motion. The claim will be further adjudicated after this development.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and clarification, including obtaining missing service treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a back disability, which the Board has determined requires additional development due to inadequate previous VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the low back disability. The initial rating claim remains pending.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a back condition requires additional development and a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and left knee disability, finding new and material evidence. The case is remanded to obtain additional examinations and opinions regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, back disability (including cervical and lumbar spine), obstructive sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and psychiatric disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development. The AOJ will schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a Travel Board or videoconference hearing before a member of the Board. The Veteran must be notified of the date and time of the hearing.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request from the Veteran for a travel board hearing. The appeal is not about service connection at this stage.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, including scoliosis and degenerative disc disease. The evidence now shows that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient information in the record to make a decision on the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for DM, PTSD, and a back condition. The decision also found that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for DM.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current low back or bilateral knee disability that is related to service, and therefore denied both claims.