Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a new VA examination and consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his back pain during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The lumbar spine condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and there was no evidence of cervical or hemorrhoid conditions related to service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for any period of time.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background.

Your claims for service connection for back and bilateral knee disorders have been dismissed as there is no longer a case or controversy pending before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private and VA treatment records, scheduling the Veteran for a VA spine examination, and providing an additional VA examination of the knees, right wrist, and left hand.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulted in a need for higher level of care, including aid and attendance. The Board granted the claim for SMC based on the need for such care.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected chronic lumbar strain with degenerative changes and pseudoarthrosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left lower extremity sciatica as secondary to mild degenerative disc disease L4-L5 and his claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The evidence did not support granting either claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disorder and cervical spine disorder. The criteria for service connection have been met, with the conditions being deemed as directly related to active military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all issues related to his spine, joints, and skin conditions is dismissed due to withdrawal. The Board grants service connection for PTSD with depression.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back problems had their onset in service and grants entitlement to service connection for chronic low back pain.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his service-connected disabilities, as well as new evidence added to his claims file. The issues include evaluations for various knee and ankle conditions, a compensable evaluation for bronchitis, and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and left knee arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a TBI and/or residuals thereof, to include a headache disorder, or left ankle or back disorders. The claims are denied.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's lumbar strain prior to September 12, 2016 and denied a rating in excess of 40 percent thereafter.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle and low back disabilities are service-connected, with no issues regarding a rating or TDIU. The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome claims will be remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's low back disability, including lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, was incurred in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of his low back, left knee, and right hip disabilities. The examination should determine if these conditions are related to his service-connected right knee degenerative arthritis.