Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, as well as a TDIU due to these disabilities, are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral pes planus and back disorder, as well as verify his claimed stressors for PTSD. The claims are currently pending.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is rated at 40 percent since November 5, 2007. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected condition warrants this rating due to his limited range of motion and functional limitations. He does not meet the criteria for TDIU as he has one service-connected disability (lumbosacral strain) rated at least 40 percent disabling.

The Board finds that the Veteran's back disability is at least as likely as not related to his service, and grants service connection for this condition. The status of the right hip issue remains unknown.

The Board has determined that further assistance is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining additional medical opinions regarding her back disorder and bilateral shin splints.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and testing to address the severity of his spinal disabilities, as well as any impact on employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions. The claims will be reconsidered after all necessary evidence is obtained.

The VA Board of Veterans' Appeals found that the appellant's current low back condition was not caused or aggravated by his period of ACDUTRA in June 1995, and thus denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disorder is not manifested by ankylosis, associated neurologic impairment, or incapacitating episodes as defined by VA regulations. The Board finds that the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent and TDIU are not met.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of DDD of the cervical spine is not related to military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, including arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, was directly incurred in service due to his reported in-service injury while working as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle mechanic. The claim is therefore granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for pes planus (flat feet) was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition during the pendency of his appeal. The Board found that the recent VA radiology report did not support a current diagnosis of flat feet.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical examination and insufficient reasons for denying service connection. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to factual inaccuracies in a previous VA examiner's opinion and the need for another VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders, finding that there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition in service or any increase in severity during service. The current conditions are not related to his right shoulder injury.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a right leg disability incurred in or aggravated by active service. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for healed fracture, transverse process of the lumbar spine 1 to 3 is denied as there is no evidence of any compensable neurological disorder associated with this condition. The Board also found that the Veteran's service-connected disability does not preclude substantially gainful employment and thus did not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings in August 2016, leaving no issues for the Board to adjudicate.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a left hip disability, which he contends is secondary to his service-connected left knee, right knee, and lumbar spine disabilities. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a Board hearing. The current address of the Veteran needs to be confirmed and notification of the hearing should be sent there.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations for his right knee and thoracolumbar spine strain, as the previous examinations did not comply with the requirements of 38 C.F.R. � 4.59.