Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's back disability (degenerative disc disease) is being remanded for a new VA examination due to the time that has passed since his last examination in December 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional development and evidence. Specifically, he needs VA examinations for his hemorrhoids and psychiatric disorders, as well as attempts at corroborating his in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, right hand disability, and bilateral ankle disability were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, GERD, back disorder, right knee disability, and left knee disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of an in-service stressor and that the preexisting scars on the left arm and knee were not aggravated by service.,There is no indication of any exposure to Agent Orange or Camp Lejeune, and there are no findings regarding any other presumptive conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back, left knee, and right knee disabilities have been reopened. The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea remains remanded as there is insufficient medical opinion regarding its etiology.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for the appellant's low back disability, granted a 40 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy, and denied ratings for other conditions.

The reduction of the ratings for service-connected back disability and right ankle disability from 40% to 10% was proper due to improvement in the severity of the disabilities, warranting restoration of the original ratings.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records, as well as to address the etiology of the Veteran's claimed lower back conditions.

The Veteran's claim for SMC by reason of being housebound is denied, but his claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted. The Board found that the Veteran requires assistance with activities of daily living due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability and depression due to VA's duty to assist in determining if these conditions are related to the Veteran's active service, including parachute jumps.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, neck, low back, and left hip disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing a relationship between these conditions and his active military service.,There is no medical evidence or lay testimony indicating that any of the Veteran’s current disabilities are related to his time in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and failure to comply with previous directives. The Veteran is asked to provide authorization for Vet Center treatment records from November 2018 to the present.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, including disc herniation and arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, is granted. The claim was reopened due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial in March 2009.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including reopening of claims for pulmonary embolism and fainting spells, systemic lupus and arthritis, bilateral foot disability, respiratory disability, lumbar spine disability, and rheumatoid arthritis. The VA is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records from the Veteran’s Naval Reserve service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, initial compensable rating, and initial rating in excess of 10 percent were dismissed due to the death of the Veteran. Service connection claims were also dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for left elbow strain was dismissed as he withdrew the claim prior to a decision.,Tinnitus has been granted service connection based on in-service noise exposure and continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that these conditions are secondary to his service-connected left knee and left ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that may affect the determination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee and back disabilities due to a lack of documentation in his service treatment records, specifically noting that VA was unable to obtain them. The Veteran contends he is entitled to service connection based on injuries sustained as a parachutist during service.