Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has dismissed the appeals for hypertension, glaucoma, and a back disability as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to any decision being made.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate examination in determining the severity of the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to assess his current condition and any additional functional impairment during flare-ups.

The claims for service connection for a back disability, left knee disability, colon cancer, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including insomnia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD) have been denied.,New evidence has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including insomnia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD), but it remains denied.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the previously denied claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and back disability have been granted. The claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability is being remanded due to insufficient evidence, while the claim for service connection for a back disability has been reopened.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence, including VA treatment records from March 2018 and thereafter. The AOJ must review this evidence before readjudicating his claims for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grants.

The claim for service connection for a back disability was reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The case is now remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain with mild degenerative changes is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of functional loss.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities as secondary to the service-connected right ankle disability. For the rating period from August 28, 2012, a disability rating of 20 percent for the right ankle disability is also granted.

The Veteran's lumbosacral disc bulge and low back strain are rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of the decision. A separate compensable rating for radiculopathy in lower extremities is denied. The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records from the Miami VA Medical Center and SPRs. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered with these additional records.

The Board has remanded the claims due to errors in obtaining records and inadequate examinations. The Veteran's right shoulder, back, and bilateral knee disabilities need further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection, higher ratings, and TDIU due to inaccuracies in the medical records provided by the Veteran. The claims will be reconsidered with new evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for a back condition and remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include insomnia.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for anxiety disorder was dismissed.,His claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was granted, restoring the previously reduced 40% rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus is denied as the current 10 percent rating already reflects the impact of his tinnitus.,An effective date prior to June 5, 2015, for the grant of service connection for PTSD is not warranted due to lack of a formal or informal written communication indicating intent to apply for this benefit prior to that date.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and remanded the claim for service connection for lumbar strain due to insufficient evidence of a medical nexus between the conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various shoulder, knee, and back conditions due to insufficient evidence. Additional examinations are needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the addition of VA treatment records and the need to consider these new documents before making a decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory condition, low back condition, and cold injury residuals due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for these conditions as there is no medical evidence linking them to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an initial rating greater than 40 percent for lumbosacral strain. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for these claims based on his lack of current disability due to his claimed conditions, which were not related to active service.