Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back condition and bilateral hip condition, finding that there was no direct evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disabilities. The Board also found insufficient evidence supporting secondary service connection based on PTSD, knee, or foot disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional private treatment records from Dr. M.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to failure of the Veteran to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and clarification of medical opinions from previous examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of lumbar strain with intervertebral disc disease, right leg radiculopathy, and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy are rated at 40 percent from September 13, 2016. The claim for a higher initial rating is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected right leg radiculopathy is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board granted service connection for tension headaches effective September 18, 1984. The Veteran's claims for other conditions were denied as not supported by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right knee, bilateral shoulder, and left knee disabilities are granted. The lumbar spine disability claim is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board found that the Veteran's right foot, hip, and back disorders did not manifest during service or within one year thereafter, and are not otherwise causally related to his military service. The preexisting conditions were not aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine arthritis with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy did not arise from his in-service injuries and is not related to service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected back, knee, and ankle disabilities that result in difficulty with activities of daily living such as dressing, grooming, preparing meals, and medication management.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lower back disability is related to his service, as it has been present since service and there are no intercurrent causes. The criteria for direct service connection have been met.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected back disability, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or right ankle and bilateral leg disabilities. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to her military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disability, a back disability, or a thyroid disability that is related to her active service. The preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Board found no link between the Veteran's current low back disability and his military service, thus denying service connection for a low back disability. The claim for TDIU was also denied as there is no evidence showing that the Veteran is precluded from substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral eye disability is rated at 40% effective February 24, 2017. His lower back disorder remains at a noncompensable rating. Service connection for fibromyalgia and gout are granted as new and material evidence has been submitted. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression) is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The issues of service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder and TDIU have not been decided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including TBI, headaches, sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, tremors of the hands, a mid-and-low back disorder, bilateral knee disorders, and bilateral ankle disorders have been denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of TBI or other claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and addressing the issues of increased ratings for his service-connected conditions, TDIU, and service connection.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities of the lower back, hips, and knees. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly assess these conditions.