Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

Service connection is granted for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine degenerative joint disease with right lower extremity radiculopathy, and degenerative changes of the sacroiliac joint.,Service connection is denied for arthritis other than arthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, or sacroiliac joints, swollen joints, and hypertension.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left testicle condition, left shoulder strain, lumbosacral strain, chest pain, and PTSD. The evidence is at least in equipoise that these conditions are related to his reported in-service stressors while serving in Iraq.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain, right knee condition, and left knee condition due to unclear rationale in the VA examiner's report.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for his service-connected back disability, including degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine, is being remanded due to a lack of recent examination and potential need for additional private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination for the Veteran's low back disability. The examiner needs to provide a rationale and determine if the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his active service, whether it is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected left knee scar.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for chronic lumbar intervertebral disc disorder prior to March 20, 2016 is granted at a 20 percent rating.

The Board has issued a remand to address the service connection claims for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and myasthenia gravis. The case is now remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's initial rating claims for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, left knee PFS, and right knee PFS have been denied. The claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED) is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain, herniated disc at L4-5, and right leg radiculopathy. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's March 27, 2014 Notice of Disagreement is valid and timely filed with respect to his initial disability evaluations for low back, cervical spine, bilateral hip, and bilateral knee disabilities. The claims are being remanded due to the need for further adjudication on these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his disabilities due to unclear communication regarding VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the L4-L5 and associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies are being remanded due to outstanding medical records that need to be obtained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of his low back disability and skin condition are remanded due to the need for additional development. The claim for left hand fracture is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for tension headaches, back disability, neck disability, radiculopathy (bilateral lower extremities), radiculopathy (right upper extremity), left leg shin splints, right leg shin splints, allergies, and obstructive sleep apnea due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is to be provided with VA examinations for each condition.

The Board has determined that another VA examination and medical opinion are needed for the Veteran's claims of lumbar spine disorder and sinus disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), spinal stenosis, vertebral fracture, degenerative disc disease (DDD), facet arthropathy was dismissed. A 40 percent rating is granted for these conditions as of October 28, 2014.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a lumbar spine disorder due to additional development being necessary, including obtaining medical opinions and VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and back disabilities due to insufficient reasons provided in the previous decision. The case is now pending with a new VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of a back disability. However, it denied the claim as the pre-existing back disability did not increase in severity beyond its natural progression during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the severity of his back condition, sciatica, and muscle atrophy.