Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral strain did not begin during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the condition began during active duty.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative disc disease, L5-S1, is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of representation.

The Veteran's appeal regarding increased ratings for various disabilities and service connection was denied because the VA Form 9 was not filed within the required time frame.

The Veteran's migraines are granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD and traumatic brain injury. The initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD from August 12, 2010 is also granted.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, head injury residuals, and migraines. Specifically, VA treatment records are sought, as well as in-service hospital records from Camp Lejeune.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back condition is etiologically related to his in-service accident and granted service connection for this disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and examination reports. The issues include psychiatric disorders, prostate disorder, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, anemia, gastrointestinal disorders, skin disorder, bilateral eye disorders, low back disability, upper back disability, right leg disability, left leg disability, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his service. The examiner needs to consider the Veteran's testimony and treatment records.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability was initially denied for a compensable rating prior to May 18, 2016. From May 18, 2016 to January 14, 2018, he received a 10 percent disability rating. However, from January 15, 2018 onwards, his claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, right shoulder condition, and neck problems due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability is secondary to her service-connected left knee, left shoulder, and bilateral foot disabilities. The case will be returned for a new examination and opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and an addendum VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is related to his active service and grants this claim.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee and low back osteoarthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is not related to his military service and denied service connection. The claim was reopened due to new evidence, but the service connection for a low back disorder remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The Veteran's left ankle, sinusitis, back disability, and neck disability claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings in several areas, including lumbar strain, left knee strain with shin splints, right knee strain with limitation of motion and shin splints, radiculopathy, left sciatic nerve, and radiculopathy, right sciatic nerve.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to her active duty service.