Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar myositis with herniated nucleus pulposus, degenerative arthritis, and lumbar strain is rated at 40 percent. The effective date for this rating is April 25, 2016.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, coronary artery disease, and renal insufficiency. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition was not incurred in or related to his military service.

All appeals are dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for a lumbar spine disability is granted. The Board finds that reopening the claim is warranted due to new and material evidence submitted since the April 2004 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with increased disability ratings for cervical and lumbar spine conditions, as well as a TDIU claim. The Veteran's current ratings of 30% for cervical spine and 40% for lumbar spine are maintained.

The Board denied service connection for thoracolumbar, cervical, and acquired psychiatric disorders as there was no evidence of a chronic disability in service or within one year after separation from active duty.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities were evaluated, with the cervical spine receiving a 10% rating and the lumbar spine also receiving a 10% rating. The appeals for higher ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

Service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease, is granted. Effective May 29, 2012, the Veteran also receives a 40 percent rating for fibromyalgia.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a failure to schedule VA examinations as requested in previous remands. The issues on appeal are related to bilateral knee condition, left shoulder condition, low back condition, and diaphragm injury.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and new evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran's current low back condition is related to service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD has been reopened. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for lumbosacral or cervical strain, right knee strain, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine condition, specifically her degenerative arthritis. The case will be reviewed after a VA clinician provides an opinion on the etiology of her lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disorder and ulcers due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for service-connected traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine due to insufficient evidence and the need for a new VA examination. The TDIU issue is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating issue.

The Board has remanded the claims for left lower extremity radiculopathy, low back disability, and right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the service-connected low back disability due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's service connection for migraine headaches has been granted. The initial disability rating for her lumbar spine strain remains at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and a sleep disorder, to include sleep apnea. The claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's mid-back condition is not service-connected, but his headaches are service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service treatment records are incomplete and requests for these records have not been completed. The Veteran is also requested to provide any additional medical records from private providers, including Dr. Baldwin.