Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that these conditions are related to active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increase due to inadequate VA examinations. The cases are being returned for further development, including new VA examinations of his back, shoulder, and ankle disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claim due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current back disabilities and his service. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to clarify all diagnosed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to incomplete VA examinations in previous years, requiring additional development including obtaining a retrospective opinion regarding the severity of his disabilities during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions and ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions. The claims are pending until further action is taken.

The Board has denied service connection for a right elbow disability and remanded the issue of service connection for a low back disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating higher than 40 percent for complex regional pain syndrome with paralysis of the right lower extremity has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating higher than 10 percent for a back disability has also been denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current low back disability and his service. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records or undergo a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for right hip disorder and low back disability. The Veteran's claims are pending.

The Board has vacated the September 2019 decision due to a withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran's attorney. The appeal is now dismissed.

The Veteran's request to reopen claims for lumbar spine disability and obstructive sleep apnea was granted. However, the claims of service connection for lung scarring, including pulmonary fibrosis and bronchiectasis, were denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Bell’s palsy, sinus disorder, and back disorder have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence.,VA treatment records from prior to October 2013 are needed for Bell’s palsy claim; a VA examination is also required.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic low back disorder and tinnitus, finding that the disorders were not incurred in or related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions. The issues include service connection for a low back disability, bilateral knee disabilities, radiculopathy, onychomycosis of the toenails, and a skin disorder (claimed as peeling skin on fingers).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diverticulitis and lumbar spine disability are not service-connected, with the exception of a remand for further development regarding the latter. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection issue.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for migraine headaches prior to October 23, 2018 was granted at a 30 percent level. The issue of an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding the relationship between his low back disability and sciatic nerve condition, as well as secondary service-connected neck disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to insufficient medical opinions regarding his lower back condition and right ankle disability. The claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral elbow, wrist, knee, ankle disabilities and lumbar disability due to lack of compliance with prior remand directives. A VA examination is required to determine if these conditions are related to service.