Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of gastrointestinal, inguinal hernia, low back, or bilateral knee disabilities. The claims for these conditions are being remanded to allow for further development and potential clinical evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for low back, left arm, and left-hand disabilities. The appeals were not reopened as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was reduced from 40 percent to 10 percent, effective March 1, 2014. The reduction is not proper and the rating has been restored.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of his right shoulder, left shoulder, lumbar spine, IBS, bilateral ankles, and left knee disabilities have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed neck, low back, and left knee disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of chronicity within one year post-service.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and a bilateral leg disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his in-service injuries or treatment.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the listed conditions have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in a written statement.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional examinations, treatment records review, and opinion letters.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder, back, and neck disorders did not begin during service or are otherwise related to in-service injuries.,Service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, and he requires the care or assistance of another person on a regular basis due to his disabilities. The Board has granted TDIU and special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for left upper extremity and low back disabilities need further examination to determine their etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back and right wrist disabilities. However, the claim of service connection for a sleep disability secondary to his service-connected back disability is remanded due to the need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate examinations and unclear medical records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various disabilities, including back disability, lung disability, hernia disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to his failure to appear at scheduled VA examinations. The Veteran is given another opportunity to provide evidence and attend the examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability and granted it, finding that there is sufficient evidence to support the claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the claims for service connection of right knee condition, left knee condition, low back condition, costochondritis, and PTSD. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches, including as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, has been reopened and granted.

The Veteran's claims have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as they are now moot.