Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, a back disorder, and a thyroid disorder due to potential secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional records from Social Security Administration.

The Veteran's back condition did not manifest ankylosis or incapacitating episodes during the period on appeal. The Board denied a higher disability rating for DJD of the lumbar spine.,The Veteran withdrew his claim for increased tinnitus prior to the promulgation of a decision by the Board.

The Veteran's urinary incontinence is at least as likely as not secondary to his service-connected low back disability, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and a higher rating for his lumbar spine disorder due to insufficient medical opinions and lack of recent examinations.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations provided for the Veteran's left shoulder, low back strain with degenerative disc disease, and right knee injury are inadequate. The Veteran is therefore being remanded to obtain new examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's low back disability and service, as well as its aggravation by service-connected knee conditions. A new examination is required.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for right shoulder disability, service connection for back and knee disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

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

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as other conditions such as low back disability, hip, ankle, knee, foot disabilities, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric condition. The remand requires obtaining VA treatment records, conducting examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions, and providing opinions on their relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been reopened, and a new rating of 70% has been granted.,Service connection for the low back disability is being remanded due to insufficient rationale in the previous VA examiner's opinion.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for thoracolumbar strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, including VA treatment records and a recent VA examination. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining any outstanding private treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for a cyst on the left buttock and a low back disability, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the lumbar spine disability was not incurred during active service, and the GERD with Barrett’s esophagus and history of hiatal hernia did not manifest within the applicable presumptive period.

The Board has determined that additional development is required for the claims of service connection for right shoulder and low back disabilities, as well as for a right leg and right foot disabilities. The Veteran's assertions regarding these conditions are inextricably intertwined with his low back disability claim, which is being remanded. Additionally, the Veteran's dental disability claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for coronary artery disease is denied as it was received within one year of separation from service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including functional loss. A VA examination is needed to assess this.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to herbicide agents in service and for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a back disability is remanded due to his belief that it is related to his right knee disability. A VA examination is needed to determine if the back disability is caused or aggravated by the right knee disability.