Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease is granted due to exposure in Vietnam. The low back disability claim is remanded as the Board did not provide a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back disability, bilateral foot disability, and hernia residuals due to incomplete examinations.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for low back disability, neck disability, left leg disability, right leg disability, anemia (claimed as fatigue), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and migraine headaches due to lack of a medical opinion on their etiology.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, bilateral eye condition, and anemia. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is currently rated at 40%.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of low back, bilateral ankle, visual disabilities, nonservice-connected pension and TDIU. The claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss is denied. The issues of service connection for right knee, left knee, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is granted with an initial rating of 20 percent.,Service connection for the Veteran's eye condition (claimed as photophobia and loss of visual acuity) is denied.

Your increased rating for right knee collateral ligament tear with limitation of motion is denied.,The Veteran's left leg condition, low back condition, and bilateral pes planus are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection, and petition to reopen due to missing VA treatment records. The Veteran is also advised that he must report for a VA examination to assess his heart disability.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD. The onychomycosis of toenails, both feet, is denied an initial compensable evaluation. The lumbar spondylosis issue is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected right knee disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral intervertebral disc syndrome and associated left lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's back condition, lung condition, anemia, and immune disorder were all denied service connection as there was no evidence of a nexus to his military service.,Service connection could not be established for any of the conditions due to lack of in-service onset or relationship to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right shoulder injury and back disorder due to new evidence submitted. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's lower back disorder is related to service. The case will be returned for further development and an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Board denied service connection for low back and right hip disabilities, finding that the current conditions did not manifest in service or within a presumptive period and were more likely related to post-service activities.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, claimed as intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritic changes, based on the presumption of soundness in service due to symptoms reported shortly after discharge.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective November 21, 2012. The appeal for a higher rating prior to that date has been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine condition, GERD and IBS was granted. The claims for bilateral carpal tunnel, right knee condition, and left lower extremity sciatica were remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeals for higher ratings for radiculopathy, a rating in excess of 60 percent for low back disability, an extraschedular rating for low back disability, and earlier effective date for the assignment of a higher rating for low back disability.