Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The petition to reopen the service connection claim for a back disability was denied.,The petition to reopen the service connection claim for depression was granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar and thoracic spine arthritis, as well as his claim for TDIU prior to July 26, 2016, have been dismissed. The Board found that the evidence did not show that these conditions rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to July 26, 2016. From July 26, 2016, the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether his service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to work.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent, but the Board found no evidence of functional loss or other conditions warranting a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a low back disability due to insufficient rationale in previous opinions and need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability is denied. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and an abdominal disability to allow for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in the September 2018 VA examiner's opinion regarding whether the Veteran’s cervical spine disorder is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of his back condition, finding that there was no in-service injury or disease and insufficient evidence linking it to his service-connected right knee and left foot conditions. The claim was also not successful under a direct theory of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar radiculopathy of the lower extremities bilaterally, hip arthralgia bilaterally, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, torn meniscus of the knees bilaterally, cervical radiculopathy of the upper extremities bilaterally, and thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease were denied as they are not earlier than May 10, 2011.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar spine disability and TB exposure to provide additional medical opinions that address the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's request to reopen his previously denied claim for lumbar spine disorder was not successful. Service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy was also denied.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a back disability, sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his National Guard service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a low back disability and bilateral ankle disability due to new evidence received since the January 2014 decision.,Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc and joint disease with herniated discs and bilateral foraminal stenosis is currently rated at 20 percent, effective February 28, 2013. The Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted for the period prior to August 3, 2013 and as of June 7, 2016.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as her initial compensable disability ratings for cervical dysplasia and eczematous dermatitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received for the Veteran's claims of fibromyalgia, low back disability, right thigh disability, left thigh disability, right lower leg disability, and left lower leg disability. The cases are REMANDED to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are insufficient and remanded for further evaluations of the Veteran's low back disorder, nephrolithiasis, and hemorrhoids. The issues have been remanded due to incomplete or insufficient examination reports.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's service connection claims are not granted as new and material evidence was not provided.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and assistance, which is granted for SMC based on aid and attendance.