Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran withdrew all issues on appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40% since November 19, 2015. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or IVDS during the appeal period prior to this date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches was reopened due to new and material evidence. Service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is granted based on continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a lumbar spine disability due to incomplete service personnel records and unassociated medical records. The RO is instructed to request these documents and attempt to associate them with the claims file.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee disability and service connection for his low back disability due to inadequate examination reports and lack of supporting rationale.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to unclear current status of her lumbar spine and bilateral hip disabilities, requiring new VA examinations and updated treatment records.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral hip disability, cervical spine disability (claimed as neck disability), lumbar disability, sinusitis and/or allergic rhinitis, and migraine headaches. The claims are remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to issues with the adequacy of VA examinations, including a need for new evaluations for PTSD, TBI, and residuals of TBI. The Veteran's service-connected conditions include PTSD, TBI, bilateral knee and shoulder disabilities, migraines, back condition, mouth condition, and sinusitis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine, knee, and ankle disabilities due to his left tibia injury. The Veteran will need to provide updated medical records and VA examinations are scheduled to address these issues.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of bilateral shin splints and adjustment disorder with depressed mood. The low back condition remains rated at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not supported by the evidence and have been remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and development.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hip, knee, ankle, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing the conditions were related to service or any other compensable period.,The Veteran's assertions that his current disabilities are related to parachute jumps during service were not supported by credible medical evidence.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the current condition is not related to service and is not otherwise caused by an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar strain, heart disability, and acquired psychiatric condition. The cases will be readjudicated after this development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for lumbar strain and degenerative disc disease L4-5 with muscle spasm due to outstanding VA treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate examination in a previous decision. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to assess his back disability and provide a proper rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inaccurate factual premise in a previous VA examination. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a lumbar disability, but the examiner did not consider evidence showing low back pain complaints during service.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial disability rating for his service-connected low back disability is being remanded due to communication issues and the need for updated medical evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is reopened, and he is granted a 100% rating for his PTSD. The issue of service connection for the low back disability has been remanded.