Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability. The Veteran will need to undergo a VA examination for an opinion on whether their current condition is related to service.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected left wrist status post fracture, lumbar spondylosis, levoscoliosis and discogenic disease, right knee lateral tibial plateau, and tinea versicolor.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the VA examinations used to determine the severity of the Veteran's low back disability. The claim will be reconsidered with a new examination that accounts for the frequency and duration of pain flares.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability prior to July 13, 2015 is also remanded.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back condition, and thus denied the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disorder, neck disorder, and left-knee strain due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and arthritis of the lumbosacral spine did not have its onset during or as a result of his military service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records. The claims for service connection are related to exposure to herbicides, but no such evidence has been provided.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder rotator cuff disease, degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome. A rating of 20 percent is assigned for left ankle tendon injury and fracture with internal fixation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine anterolisthesis with degenerative disc disease and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. His claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for hemochromatosis is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to new evidence being added to his file and a need for further examination. The issues include service connection for prostatism, right shoulder DJD, cervical spine DJD, lumbar spine DJD with left leg sciatica, and lichen simplex chronicus of the right temple.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease is rated at 10 percent from April 26, 2013 to July 9, 2015 and at 30 percent from July 10, 2015. The Board has remanded the case for a new examination regarding his lumbar strain.

The Veteran's back disability and PN of the bilateral lower extremities are related to his service, specifically jumping from helicopters in Vietnam. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.,The Veteran's right leg condition (right knee strain) is not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left knee disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The right knee and lumbar strain claims are remanded as additional medical opinions are needed to determine if there is clear and unmistakable evidence of aggravation or etiology.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: service connection for a restrictive lung condition and the evaluation of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The reasons are that additional development is necessary before these claims can be finally adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy due to inadequate examinations in August 2017. The Veteran is required to provide any outstanding medical records, and a new VA examination will be conducted.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied prior to November 10, 2016. From January 23, 2017 onwards, he received a 40% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain a VA examination for sleep apnea and to determine if it is related to service. The other issues of service connection remain under review.

The Board has determined that the appeal is remanded due to new evidence being added to the record after the May 2015 SOC.