Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's application for a grant of specially adapted housing or special home adaptation was denied as he does not meet the criteria under VA regulations, specifically due to his service-connected sarcoidosis not being caused by an inhalation injury.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to resolve the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral pes planus, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and a left shoulder disability. The AOJ should obtain any outstanding medical records and provide an addendum opinion on each issue.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for low back, left knee, and right knee conditions. The Board has ordered remand due to the need for updated treatment records and VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate examination, and a new one must be conducted to determine if the Veteran's back disability is related to his service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was partially denied, with some issues remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck and back disabilities, as well as his TDIU claim due to new evidence indicating that his conditions have worsened since his last VA examination in March 2014. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate, particularly regarding whether the Veteran's hip disability is aggravated by his service-connected left knee patellofemoral syndrome. The Veteran also needs a VA examination to determine if his back injury is etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's surgery for a service-connected back disability ended convalescence on March 1, 2015. The Board denied an extension of the temporary total rating beyond this date as there were no severe postoperative residuals.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and back disorder are found to be related to service. However, the Board is unable to determine if his diabetes mellitus or hypertension were incurred in service due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the submission of additional VA treatment records since the December 2015 statement of the case. The issues on appeal include service connection for various conditions and a rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for prior to October 31, 2018 was denied as his unemployability was not solely due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is denied because his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria, while his nonservice-connected conditions necessitate the need for aid and assistance.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals on all issues related to service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral shoulder, leg, hip, ankle, left knee, back, and right knee disabilities. The claims were dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawals of these issues prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a back disability is being remanded due to the addition of relevant VA-generated clinical records since the last decision.

The Board has denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and granted service connection for residuals of right distal tibia and fibula fracture. The claims for low back disability, right knee disability, and hypertension are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lower back disability and hemorrhoids require additional development due to missing records, including OMPF and STRs. The claims are being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral arm disability, neck disability, and back disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's cervical spine DJD is granted as service connected. The lumbosacral spine DDD and DJD, with a current rating of 20%, remains unchanged.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for hypothyroidism, anemia, a skin disability, diabetes mellitus type II (DM), and a back disability.,The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further development including VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's back disability, and further development is needed.