Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disorders, including a back disorder, left knee disorders, right knee disorders, left ankle disorders, and left elbow disorders. The decision also includes an issue regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The reasons for the remand include the need to verify periods of active duty training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty training (INACDUTRA), provide a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of the claimed conditions, and determine if any are related to the September 1987 motor vehicle accident.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical opinions. The claim of service connection for low back disability remains pending.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board finds that there is sufficient evidence to indicate that his current lumbar spine disabilities may be related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to new VA evidence not being considered by the RO, and for a TDIU claim.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issues of increased rating for bilateral foot disability, service connection for lower back disability, cervical spine disability, and left lower extremity peripheral vascular disease.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with spondylosis, and right lower extremity radiculopathy is remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board requests additional medical records and examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The cervical spine disorder and lumbar spine disorder, as well as bilateral pes planus, are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for esophageal cancer, right knee and back disabilities, and right shoulder disability due to insufficient examination reports. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine in 1997 due to lack of evidence linking it to service. The Veteran's new evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate his claim, so his petition to reopen is denied.

The Veteran's right knee disabilities, including limitation of extension and excision with arthritis, are currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The issues of increased ratings for left knee instability and flexion limitation, and service connection for low back strain, are remanded.,VA is required to provide a VA medical examination if there is (1) competent evidence of a current disability or persistent / recurrent symptoms of a disability; (2) evidence establishing that an event, injury, or disease occurred in service; and (3) an indication that the disability or persistent / recurrent symptoms of a disability may be associated with the Veteran’s service. A new VA examination is needed for the low back condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional examinations and review of records, as well as addressing issues related to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability (torticollis) was previously denied in July 1971, and new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim.,Service connection for hyperlipidemia is not warranted as it does not constitute a recognized disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to August 13, 2009 is being remanded due to the need for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for lumbar spine DJD and skin disorders, including chronic folliculitis, basil cell carcinoma, and actinic keratosis. The evidence received since the March 2008 denial is considered new and material as it suggests a possible link between the Veteran’s current conditions and his military service.,The Board has also granted service connection for lumbar spine DJD and skin disorders, including chronic folliculitis, basil cell carcinoma, and actinic keratosis. The evidence supports a finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for low back disability due to insufficient examination opinions and lack of supporting evidence in the medical records.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disability and joint pain (knees and shoulders), but has remanded the claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder.,Service connection is sought for a psychiatric disorder, with the Veteran alleging that his current condition may have not been formally diagnosed during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and a need for additional VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral stress fractures, low back disorder, and bilateral knee disorder. The claims are now remanded for further development including obtaining SSA records, VA examination, and additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his military service or any service-connected conditions.