Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right knee DJD, right shoulder dislocation, and lumbosacral spine disability due to outstanding private treatment records and the need for new VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for back disorder, right ankle disorder, radiculopathy in the right leg as secondary to back disorder, and bilateral pes planus (flat feet) as secondary to an ankle disorder. The left leg radiculopathy was denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left ankle strains, cervical spine strain, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, and bilateral pes planus have been denied as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence that these conditions began during service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% effective December 6, 2013. The claims for left knee and leg conditions are reopened but service connection remains denied. Service connection for a lower back disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded several claims for service connection due to the Veteran's military service, including injuries sustained while playing football. The appeals are pending based on the appellant's contention that these conditions are related to his service.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a low back condition was granted. However, the claim itself remains denied as there is no evidence showing that the current low back condition was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to missing VA treatment records and incomplete information regarding the Veteran's reserve service dates, including any periods of Active Duty Training (ACDUTRA).

An effective date of August 20, 1986, but no earlier, for the award of service connection for a left knee disability is granted.,An initial rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with IVDS is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back and left knee disabilities due to inadequate opinions in the VA examinations. The AOJ is instructed to obtain any relevant private records, including Kaiser-Permanente records, and provide an additional opinion from a clinician.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and a TDIU was denied. The cervical spine disability is rated as 10 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent from April 24, 2007 to May 2, 2017 respectively.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's asthma and back disability, as there are indications these conditions may be related to service. The issues of service connection for asthma and a back disability have been remanded.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of October 3, 2001 for a 10 percent disability rating for service-connected right knee tendinitis and patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disorder, bilateral ankle disorders, IBS, left hip replacement, right hip disorder (including degenerative arthritis), and knee disorders. The claims were not reopened.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his active service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, left knee condition, and hypertension. The appellant's back disorder is attributed to his congenital spinal anomaly that existed prior to service and was not aggravated by military service.,There is no evidence of a current left knee disability or chronic condition during service. The appellant reported pain but no specific injury. A VA examiner concluded there were no objective findings to support a diagnosis of a left knee condition.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine does not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment due to lack of loss or permanent loss of use of hands or feet.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a depressive disorder and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. As his combined rating is at least 60%, he meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU under VA regulations.

The Veteran's back disability, tinea pedis, and onychomycosis have been granted service connection.,Effective dates for the awards of service connection are not established.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient examinations and need for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination due to incomplete records and unconfirmed in-service assault.