Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and bilateral knee pain have been granted. The claim for bilateral knee pain is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings due to deficiencies in previous examinations and records. Specifically, additional medical opinions are needed regarding diabetes mellitus, a VA examination is required for the Veteran's back disability, and medical records from Pensacola Naval Hospital since September 2013 need to be obtained.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lumbar spine disability, hypertension, and dementia due to incomplete records and insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service injuries are considered.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of left calf varicose vein disorder was granted. Service connection is also established for this condition. The claims for scar on mouth and nose, back disorder, and contact dermatitis were denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings due to a lack of recent VA examinations and treatment records, as well as new symptoms reported by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's low back disability, characterized by degenerative disc and joint disease with intervertebral disc syndrome, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to lack of forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less or unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and hemorrhoids. The decision found that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a back disability based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the September 2000 rating decision. The decision found that there was no CUE because the September 2000 rating decision correctly applied the regulations regarding new evidence and did not contain undebatable errors of law or fact.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to January 23, 2015 due to incomplete records. The Veteran needs to provide Social Security Administration (SSA) medical records used in his disability benefits decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a low back disability due to new evidence submitted since the last statement of the case. The VA will schedule her for an audiological examination to determine if her hearing loss is related to her military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DJD is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating of 20 percent should be granted.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition did not worsen during military service and thus could not be considered service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating, finding that his service-connected disabilities alone are not sufficient to render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's current back disability, right index finger nerve damage, and left clavicle fracture are related to service or other etiologies.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his combined disability ratings did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU and that he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment in light of his education and occupational experience.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip disorder and low back disorder due to insufficient medical opinions in the March 2010 VA examination. The Veteran is required to provide private treatment records, and a new VA examination must be conducted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations.

The Board has allowed the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of a low back disorder, but has remanded the issue due to additional development being required.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions were incurred in service.,Service connection was also granted for tension headaches. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss and chronic fatigue syndrome have been denied.