Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to determine if the Veteran's hip and low back disabilities are secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has determined that further action is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine and left wrist strain. The claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for VA examinations.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and low back condition is remanded due to lack of a medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, major depressive disorder, migraine headaches, and lumbar strain with IVDS have been denied.,An effective date of February 16, 2017 has been granted for the increased evaluations of major depressive disorder (to 70 percent), migraine headaches (50 percent), and lumbar strain with IVDS (40 percent).

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in a previous VA examination, and further development is needed.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted a 40 percent initial evaluation. Additionally, the Veteran was awarded Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of his lower extremities.

The Veteran is granted annual VA clothing allowances for the years 2016 and 2018 due to her use of left knee braces, which cause wear and tear on her pants. The decision also grants a clothing allowance for the year 2016 due to her use of a low back brace.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to a lack of evidence regarding his exposure to ionizing radiation and missing service treatment records. The Veteran is also required to undergo medical examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a lower back disability as there was no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current back pain and his reported in-service injury, nor any indication of arthritis within one year from separation.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability have been granted service connection. The Veteran's sleep apnea and TIAs are currently being remanded for further review.,Service connection has been established for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and now his sleep apnea is under consideration.

The Veteran's back disability is remanded due to the lack of VA treatment records from 1970 to 1980, which may impact the determination of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of explanation regarding the Veteran's capability for sedentary work, and an addendum medical opinion is needed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure in obtaining treatment reports from the Veteran's VHA Choice approved medical care provider and an inadequate statement of reasons and bases. The case will be returned for further review.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and evaluation due to inconsistencies in the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating, worsening symptoms, and potential issues with obtaining private medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's lower back condition is related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar stenosis and degenerative disc disease, but the case is remanded for further examination to determine if the Veteran's lower extremity neurological disturbances are related to his in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The lumbar spine disability claim is being remanded for a VA examination, while the lung condition claim requires further development regarding herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability with arthritis, finding that it is proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability. The cervical spine disability was also found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.,Service connection for a cervical spine disability could not be established as there was no evidence of chronic disease noted in service or within the applicable presumptive period, and continuity of symptomatology has not been shown since service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include PTSD, bilateral ankle/knee disorders, tinnitus, headaches, and low back disorder.

The Board has decided that the claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, to include as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability, is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.