Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and degenerative disc disease of the spine are both denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity neuropathy/radiculopathy due to conflicting evidence regarding the onset of symptoms.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as there are outstanding VA records that may be relevant to reopening the low back condition claim. The left knee and major depressive disorder claims are also remanded due to their inextricably intertwined nature with the low back condition claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional records, particularly from Social Security Administration and worker's compensation benefits. The Veteran's claim for service connection will be reconsidered with these new records.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was incurred during his period of active service from June 2006 to October 2007.,The Veteran’s bilateral shoulder disabilities, right elbow disability, lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and right foot disability are all related to injuries sustained during his periods of active service.

The Veteran's low back disability and sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity have been granted ratings, with the exception that a higher rating is not warranted for the latter condition prior to December 12, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination for determining the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. Additional development is needed, including a new VA examination that complies with the criteria established by Correia and Sharp.

The Board denied service connection for low back and bilateral hip disorders, finding no evidence of a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service or any service-connected disability.

The claim of service connection for a back disability is reopened due to new and material evidence. The issue of service connection for the back disability is remanded as VA needs to provide an examination to determine if the Veteran's current back disability is related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for various conditions due to unclear dates and nature of the Veteran's military service. The case will be returned to VA for further development.

The Veteran's right elbow, neck, and right leg disabilities were denied as they are not related to service.,The Veteran's back and left leg disabilities have been remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing records and additional medical evidence is needed. The issues of left shoulder, low back, and left knee disabilities are related to National Guard duty time which needs to be verified. The psychiatric disorder claim requires additional treatment records and a VA examination. Sleep apnea and hypertension are inextricably intertwined with the psychiatric disorder claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The claims for left shoulder, lumbar spine, cervical spine, and ischemic heart disease disabilities are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a cervical spine disability, nerve disorder affecting the right upper extremity (RUE), and hypertension have been denied. The VA has assigned a 20% rating for diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to inadequate examinations, including a lack of information regarding flare-ups and additional loss of range of motion during such periods.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with spondylolysis is considered service-connected as it was caused by injuries sustained during active service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and cause of the Veteran's bilateral knee condition(s), as well as his service-connected shoulder and back disabilities. The claims are being remanded for additional examinations and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine with stenosis and radiculopathy due to a lack of an examination addressing the Veteran's theory of entitlement. The matter is now pending for further review.