Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability but remanded the right hip condition due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and opinions are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and TDIU. The issues have been remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and consideration, including the reopening of claims for service connection for various conditions. The Veteran's service records are to be obtained, as well as relevant VA and private treatment records.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disability and neurological disorders of the left and right legs, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service connection was not granted as the Veteran's current disabilities are considered direct rather than secondary or presumptive in nature.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, left hip, and left knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence linking these conditions to his military service. A VA examination is needed to determine if there is a relationship between the Veteran's current disabilities and his time in active duty.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of right hip pain, allergies, and low back pain as the appellant withdrew these claims prior to a decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus has been reopened, but the evidence does not support a finding of current disability. The Board is remanding the claims for residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI), pulmonary disability including asthma, low back disability including scoliosis, and bilateral knee disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for TBI was denied as there was no in-service injury or disease, and the evidence does not support a finding that his current symptoms are related to service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and his back disability rating is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left wrist and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and left knee disabilities, but has remanded both issues due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to concerns about the reliability of a study cited in previous VA examinations. The claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings are denied.,The Veteran’s TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues on appeal, including increased ratings and service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and ratings related to his shin splints and herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded cases regarding a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected left shin splint, right shin splint, and herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the cases for a new addendum opinion to determine if the Veteran's back and bilateral hip disorders are aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and his degenerative arthritis of the spine (low back condition) prior to March 27, 2018 is rated at 40 percent. The Veteran does not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for left wrist, left hand, and disability of the left ribs. The claim for service connection for a back disability is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment, despite his reported limitations and current employment.