Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back condition and a neck condition need further examination and evidence collection, as there are insufficient medical records to make an informed decision.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back condition and a neck condition need further examination and evidence collection, as there are insufficient medical records to make an informed decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine, right knee, and right ankle disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his in-service helicopter crash. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. His stomach disorder, low back disability, and right leg disability are denied. The VA has remanded the issues of residuals of a concussive injury (headaches) and breathing problems for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, diabetes, and back issues, combine to make it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted TDIU based on the combined impact of his disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine was denied, as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations. The claim for TDIU was also denied due to the combined disability rating of 50 percent which does not meet the requirement for total disability based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied service connection for left knee, right knee, and lumbosacral spine disabilities. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his active service.,Service connection was also denied for arthritis of the left knee due to lack of evidence showing a diagnosis within one year post-service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for thoracolumbar spondylosis was denied as there is no evidence of any unadjudicated formal application to reopen the claim prior to April 12, 2006.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, but the other issues remain pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating prior to May 23, 2016, for lumbosacral spine (low back disability) degenerative joint disease was granted. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as well as the issue of service connection for vertigo were remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as he can manage his daily activities independently.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are necessary to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected conditions, and remanded several issues for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine as secondary to service-connected knee disabilities. The Veteran's other claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded three issues: evaluating the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, eczema, and PTSD. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is related to injuries she sustained during active service, and thus grants her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper consideration of the Veteran's death and its potential connection to his service-connected conditions.

Service connection is granted for left knee arthritis. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, insomnia, bilateral shoulder disability, lumbar spine disability, residuals of malaria disability, and sinus disability are all remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current low back disability and his military service. The Veteran will be asked to provide records of past VA and private treatment, and a VA examination will be scheduled.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disorder, bilateral hearing loss disability, and testicular pain. The decision is based on direct service connection as there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition or aggravation during service.