Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial evaluation higher than 20 percent prior to June 15, 2013 and to an evaluation higher than 40 percent on and after that date for service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease; entitlement to an initial evaluation higher than 40 percent for service-connected left leg radiculopathy; entitlement to an initial evaluation higher than 40 percent for service-connected right leg radiculopathy; entitlement to a separate evaluation for left leg radiculopathy prior to September 15, 2014; and entitlement to a separate evaluation for right leg radiculopathy prior to September 15, 2014. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back condition, which includes degenerative disc disease and arthritis, is service-connected as it was caused by an in-service fall during her military service. The decision grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's tinnitus is service connected. The low back disability issue is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was initially rated as 10 percent prior to November 17, 2008 and denied any higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, finding that her condition is at least as likely as not related to military service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current left shoulder and low back conditions and his in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine condition and a neck condition due to conflicting evidence regarding whether he was scheduled for INACDUTRA on May 1, 1987 or May 2, 1987. The Veteran needs to provide documentation of his specific dates of INACDUTRA in the US Naval Reserves (USNR) in May 1987.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his military service and his current condition. The reopening of the claim due to new evidence did not change this outcome.

The Board has remanded several issues for early private treatment records, including service connection claims for various conditions. The Veteran's appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbosacral degenerative disc disease (back disability) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for skin cancer is denied. The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for a low back disability is granted.

The Board has remanded the claim for a new VA medical examination and opinion to determine if the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is related to his service, specifically his injury in 1954. The examiner will consider whether there is any medical reason to accept or reject the Veteran's belief that his injury resulted in a chronic back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of his appendectomy scar and lumbosacral spine degenerative joint disease, as well as consideration of a TDIU claim. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to assess the severity of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for his lumbosacral strain (back condition) to include as secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee and hip conditions, finding that there was no direct or indirect link between these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including CRPS, lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, bilateral arm and leg disabilities, tinnitus, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran is also being asked to provide medical records related to his service-connected plantar neuropathy of the feet.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, including lack of a physical examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal request.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a skin disorder, claimed as a wart like growth, has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal request.,A 10 percent rating is granted for the right knee disability, effective from April 26, 2013.,Service connection for a left knee disorder secondary to the service-connected right knee disability is remanded.,Service connection for a lumbar spine disorder secondary to the service-connected right knee disability is remanded.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for a DRO hearing.