Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disability, including whether it is related to service or any pre-existing conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to the lack of recent VA examinations assessing the severity of her service-connected lower back disability and left foot disability. The Veteran is also seeking a higher rating for her left foot disability, asserting that she was unable to walk or do anything during severe cramping.

The appeals for various conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the increased rating for lumbosacral strain, status post back surgery for degenerative disc disease. As a result, this issue is dismissed.

The Board denied all applications to reopen claims for service connection for various hip and back disabilities, finding that the new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the right inguinal hernia scar rating and service connection for various disabilities. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed due to a lack of recent VA examinations and potential procedural errors.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back, right knee, and left knee disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of the disabilities prior to February 11, 2015, or from February 11, 2015, respectively.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and a back disability, as well as TDIU. The cases are being returned to the AOJ for additional development and consideration of new evidence.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for bursitis and arthralgia of multiple joints, CFS, mild obstructive airflow disease, and an acquired psychiatric disorder for purposes of eligibility for treatment under 38 U.S.C. § 1702 due to his withdrawal at a hearing. Service connection was granted for a lumbar spine disorder, rash of the shoulders and armpits, migraines, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression). The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, chronic lumbar strain with arthritis and degenerative disc disease, left knee condition, right knee condition, left leg shin splints, and right leg shin splints due to insufficient evidence in the record regarding their etiology. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to determine if his conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left knee strain and increased ratings for lumbar strain and diabetes mellitus due to pending evidentiary development.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is remanded due to the need for a medical examination to determine if his left leg axonal neuropathy with atrophy and low back pain was caused by VA treatment, negligence, or an unforeseeable event.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including for a VA audiology evaluation to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to service. The back, knee, sleep apnea, and sinus issues are also being remanded for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, but has remanded the issue of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine due to conflicting evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and requests for additional information. The Veteran's back disability is being reviewed again with new evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back disability, cervical spine disability, and bilateral knee disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's VA treatment records show current diagnoses of degenerative changes in his lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spines, as well as osteoarthritis in both knees. Further examination is needed to determine the relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left leg disorder, low back disorder, and right ear hearing loss. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests to reopen claims for service connection for left shoulder injury and low back injury as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder strain, lumbosacral strain, right knee disability (including right knee strain, degenerative arthritis, and medial compartment narrowing), and left knee strain were all granted service connection. The Veteran's clavicular pain was denied as there is no current diagnosis.,Acne vulgaris was also granted service connection.