Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40% effective from May 21, 2014. The left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome (claimed as hands) is granted a rating of 40% effective from May 7, 2018.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the issues on appeal can be adjudicated. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and bipolar disorder, as well as her back and neck disabilities, are being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to the inability to verify the Veteran's service treatment and personnel records, which are necessary for a proper determination of his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder and left Achilles tendon laceration may have pre-existed service or been aggravated by service, but further examination is needed to determine their etiology.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a left knee disorder and remanded the issue of entitlement to an increased rating for low back disability. The case is now pending further development.

The Board has granted service connection for radiculopathy as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability. The issue of an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the lumbar spine disability is remanded, and the TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's back disability is not service connected, but his bilateral lower extremity neuralgia is due to his service-connected right inguinal hernia repair.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to assess the Veteran's low back and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities, including their functional loss during flare-ups. The TDIU claim is also deferred pending development of other issues.

The Board denied referral for extraschedular consideration of the Veteran's DJD of the lumbar spine, finding that the disability picture is adequately described by the schedular rating criteria.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, and the claim for a temporary total rating due to hospitalization for PTSD. The Veteran's low back injury is also remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's lumbar and thoracic spine conditions are being remanded for further evaluation due to inadequate previous examination.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability, but remanded it due to need for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's kidney disorder is also remanded for clarification of current diagnosis and possible service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating than 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected bronchitis and low back disability have been rated appropriately, with the exception of a reduction from 20 percent to 10 percent for low back disability which is granted.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted service connection, and his bilateral foot disability is denied. The rating for the right arm scars is also granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability due to new and material evidence received since the February 2006 decision. The case is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, a back disability, a right ankle disability with broken blood vessel and swelling, residuals of frostbite of the right hand and thumb, and a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected anxiety disorder due to failure to provide VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, lumbosacral spine, left hip, and right knee disabilities due to incomplete service treatment records. The VA is instructed to obtain any outstanding records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his current disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that there is no evidence linking her current back condition to her military service or any service-connected conditions. The preponderance of evidence supports the conclusion that her current back disability is not related to her in-service complaints and does not have its onset during service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left and right lower extremity shin splints, a low back injury, and a neck injury due to lack of medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is to be scheduled for VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.