Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, bilateral radiculopathy, and TDIU as there was no evidence of any in-service injury or disease that led to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The case is remanded to obtain updated treatment records, conduct VA examinations, and determine the current severity of his disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for back and bilateral hip disabilities, finding that the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and active service.

The petition to reopen the claims for service connection for a low back condition, diabetes mellitus, type II as due to herbicide exposure, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II is granted. The claim for service connection for a low back condition remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an updated examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims and remanded them for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and left knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during service.

The Veteran requested to withdraw their appeal, and as a result, the Board has dismissed the case.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain is denied for ratings in excess of the current assigned ratings from February 20, 2007 to November 27, 2017.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a back disability and TDIU due to in-service injury, requiring additional medical opinions and development.

The Veteran's VA examination for his lumbosacral strain disability was cancelled due to non-response. The case is being remanded to schedule a new examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lower back disability is related to his service, and grants entitlement to service connection for a lower back disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia and flouroquinolone toxicity are remanded due to the need for medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for flouroquinolone toxicity is also remanded as VA treatment records prior to October 2003 and from May 2017 to present are needed, along with authorization for Dr. Nelson and Dr. Oppenheim’s records.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis C due to drug and alcohol dependency are remanded as VA medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions are required.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for drug and alcohol dependency is also remanded as a VA psychiatrist’s opinion on its secondary relationship to PTSD, low back disability, and flouroquinolone toxicity is needed.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to June 24, 2010, and in excess of 20 percent as of June 24, 2010, for a low back disability is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for back and neck disorders due to unverified periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in the National Guard. The RO is instructed to verify all periods, obtain relevant STRs, and consider new evidence if available.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for major depressive disorder is granted, and he is also granted an increased rating for his left knee disabilities. The issues of service connection for cervical spine disability, GERD, and lumbar spine disability are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew their appeal prior to any decision being made.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for heart disorder, low back disorder, bilateral hip disorders, and bilateral knee disorders to include secondary to rheumatic fever due to an unresolved claim of service connection for rheumatic fever.

The Veteran's previously denied claims for left knee pain, bilateral hearing loss, back disability, skin lesions, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a left knee disability, a left shoulder disability, a low back disability, and radiculopathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The back, knee, and psychiatric disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.