Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the appeal due to scheduling issues for VA examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection for various spine and knee disorders are now pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling an examination and obtaining outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining an MRI of the Veteran's lumbar spine and providing a supplemental opinion from the VA examiner who conducted the August 2014 examination.

The Veteran's appeal of the claim for an increased disability rating for lumbar arthritis has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of this case.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as it was granted in full prior to the promulgation of a decision. The low back disability is found to be related to service and service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to missing service treatment records and VA treatment records, as well as an additional examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues related to service connection, including those involving erectile dysfunction and hair loss.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected low back and right knee disabilities. The issues on appeal are whether the Veteran is entitled to increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for degenerative disc disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine, and left wrist strain were denied by the Board.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need to obtain records from Monsanto Chemical Company and Solutia, Inc. related to a private disability claim filed by the Veteran in 1986.

The Veteran's DJD of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent, effective July 5, 2011. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating.,For the period prior to July 12, 2016, the Veteran's left ankle disability has been rated at 10 percent and his right ankle disability has been rated at 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for back disability and right knee disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are more likely than not related to her military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depression, left and right lower extremity compartment syndrome with peripheral neuropathy, lumbar degenerative joint disease with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) involving both sciatic nerves, right and left heel retrocalcaneal bursitis, a right eyebrow scar, bilateral leg scars, and erectile dysfunction, are found to be of sufficient severity to require the need for assistance with his activities of daily living. The Board grants SMC based on the regular need for the aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's headaches, PTSD, vertigo, degenerative changes of the cervical and lumbar spine, right knee with chondromalacia, left knee with chondromalacia, and right shoulder, status-post acromioclavicular separation have been rated based on their current severity.,No further rating increases are warranted for any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete medical opinions and outstanding private records. The Veteran's neck and spine disabilities are being reviewed again with additional evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability, finding that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, finding that it was incurred in active service. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and stressor verification.

The Veteran's thoracic spine disability was granted an initial rating of 40 percent prior to August 18, 2010. The condition resulted in severe pain and limited range of motion, but no unfavorable ankylosis.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and nerve root compression of the left leg have been granted. The Board found that both conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his low back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU prior to October 3, 2014 is granted.