Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability, low back disability, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity as there was no evidence to support that these conditions began during active service or were related to an in-service injury.

The claim of service connection for back disability and seizure disorder has been remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered by the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for referral to the Director, Compensation Service, for consideration of whether a TDIU on an extraschedular basis is warranted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for back and psychiatric disabilities due to incomplete records and need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating of his lumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence in the record, including a lack of VA examination findings and consideration of functional loss during flare-ups. The Veteran is also required to provide additional private medical records.

The Veteran's low back strain is currently rated at 10 percent, effective September 28, 1998. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left leg has been rated at 20 percent, effective September 28, 1998. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there are no incapacitating episodes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a thoracolumbar spine disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed low back disorder, head injury residuals, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disorder and special monthly compensation (SMC) based upon aid and attendance (A&A). The rating for the low back disorder remains at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the reduction in disability rating for lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome was improper and has restored the 20 percent disability rating, effective January 1, 2015. The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence of stressor verification. His TDIU issue is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the issues being addressed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD, low back, double vision, disease of the nose, and migraine disorders due to failure to complete VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the PTSD claim.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a lumbar spine disorder, including degenerative disc disease (DDD), due to incomplete records. The Veteran's Social Security Administration disability benefits may provide important information about her condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and bilateral hearing loss due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from his separation in 1976 and employment physicals.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for foot, neck, back disabilities, and a TDIU. The Veteran's claim for PTSD is also remanded.

Service connection for degenerative disc disease L5-S1 with spondylolysis is granted as aggravated during a period of ACDUTRA from July 14, 1975 to July 18, 1975. The right knee strain evaluation remains remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hand strain, thoracolumbar strain, bilateral knee strain, and migraine headaches due to incomplete medical records and unclear diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral tinnitus is denied as the maximum schedular rating has already been assigned. The claims for increased ratings of lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded due to new evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, osteopenia, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, cognitive disorder, and/or depression) due to insufficient evidence in the record.