Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has decided that the service connection claims for various injuries during active service need to be remanded due to missing service treatment records. The VA is instructed to attempt to obtain these records and re-adjudicate the issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's scoliosis and resulting back disability were likely aggravated by his service, leading to a chronic condition. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate VA examination for his back disability. The hearing loss claim remains denied.

The Veteran's lumbar strain disability is being remanded for further evaluation due to recent symptom worsening and the need for updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a back disability, headaches, and low sperm count have been denied. The effective date for the increased rating of PTSD has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher evaluations due to new evidence indicating worsening of his conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder. Additional medical opinions are needed, and the Veteran should be asked to provide information about any relevant healthcare providers.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions and new evidence. The Veteran's lumbar spine and left hip disabilities are being reviewed again.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back strain with DJD was denied, as the evidence did not show symptoms or functional impairment that resulted in unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sciatic radiculopathy affecting both lower extremities were also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical examination, and a new VA spine examination is required.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's back disability may be related to his active duty service, and therefore remands the case for further development including obtaining VA treatment records and private medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a mid-back disability, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and noting that the current condition did not manifest within one year of separation from service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, including medical treatise evidence that addressed possible relationships between sleep, gastrointestinal problems, and headaches and PTSD. The claims are now recharacterized as secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back, left hip, and left knee disabilities due to insufficient opinions regarding their relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for low back disorder and right knee disorder due to insufficient rationale in a previous medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his increased rating for right lumbar muscle strain is not supported by the evidence, which shows that his range of motion and symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current low back condition is related to his service. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and obstructive sleep apnea. The right shin disability claim is dismissed as withdrawn by the Veteran. The COPD rating remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran’s appeal is remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation of his service-connected conditions, as well as additional evidence regarding his claims. The appeals are not related to a presumption or exposure basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities did not begin during active service, or are otherwise related to an in-service injury. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection.