Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a biopsy (claimed as a low back disorder) is remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding the nature, etiology, and relationship of any diagnosed conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, including status post lumbar and cervical spinal fusions, due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining an addendum opinion from the June 2019 VA examiner or another appropriate clinician.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of his service-connected mechanical low back pain and bilateral hearing loss, as well as his claims for PTSD and TDIU. The rating for mechanical low back pain remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for a left ankle disability has been granted. The Board has also remanded several other issues including increased ratings and service connection claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has determined that new VA examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee impairment preexisted service and was aggravated by active duty. The cervical spine disorder and lumbar spine disorder are remanded for further development as veteran status is not established for the periods of ACDUTRA mentioned.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication due to outstanding private treatment records, updated VA records, and a need for additional examination of the Veteran's lumbar spine. The issues include rating sinusitis, erectile dysfunction, painful bowel function, and degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for a lumbar spine disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to July 17, 2019 and after that date.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his back disability was denied. The TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional information regarding the Veteran's work and educational history.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on the merits have been remanded due to new evidence received and issues related to his hands, back, and CT scan reaction.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA medical opinions and outstanding treatment records. The Veteran's low back disability is being reviewed again for possible service connection.

The Veteran's mild thoracolumbar compression fractures with degenerative disc disease and low back condition are granted service connection, as the evidence shows a link to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented, reopening the claims of entitlement to service connection for low back, right leg, left leg, right foot, and left foot disabilities. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that it is related to his in-service left shoulder injury. The decision resolves all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disability, cervical spine disability, and thoracolumbar spine disability have been granted. The cervical spine disability has a rating of 20 percent, while the thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders due to conflicting opinions in the VA examination report. The case will be returned to the AOJ with additional records and an addendum opinion from a qualified medical professional.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, neck, left knee, right knee, and right ankle disabilities may be related to service. However, due to a lack of VA examinations addressing these claims, the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional examinations and further development due to new complaints of pain and worsening symptoms.

The Board has denied the Veteran's requests for effective dates prior to January 22, 2016 for service connection and increased ratings of his disabilities. The issues have been remanded due to a lack of VA treatment records from the relevant period.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing records and incomplete information, particularly regarding his periods of active duty in Germany. The VA will make additional efforts to obtain these records.