Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated sciatic nerve radiculopathy have been granted increased ratings, but the appeal for higher ratings is denied. A TDIU has also been granted. Effective dates prior to April 23, 2014, for service connection are denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for back condition, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The petition to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral knee disability is denied.,The petition to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for low back disability is denied.,The petition to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine DDD and DJD are related to his period of service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for DDD of the spine due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's back disability is related to his active service, including an in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records from the Veteran's National Guard service period and seeking medical opinions to address the etiology of his bilateral shoulder, low back, and bilateral eye disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for right ankle, right knee, left knee, and lumbar spine disabilities as they are found to have had their onset during active duty.

The Board has determined that there is at least a 50% likelihood the Veteran's lumbar spine disability began during his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evaluations and records, including employment history and vocational rehabilitation assessments. The AOJ must ensure that all relevant information is obtained before proceeding with a determination of his eligibility for VR&E benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back condition, finding that it was incurred in service and is related to his current disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar degenerative disc disease, bilateral fingers and feet atopic dermatitis, and bilateral elbows and knees vitiligo due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for further examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for lumbar disability due to a lack of in-service records and potential pre-existing condition. Service connection is granted for left knee condition and denied for cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right hip disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, and bilateral knee disability due to outstanding medical records and need for further examination.

An earlier effective date of September 6, 2011 for a 20% disability rating for the service-connected back disorder is granted. The claim for increased disability rating was reopened and granted as new evidence supported an increase in disability.

The Board has decided that the case must be remanded due to an inadequate addendum opinion regarding secondary service connection for cervical DDD. The examiner needs to provide a new opinion addressing whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's cervical DDD is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition, finding that there is no competent and credible evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for updated medical evidence.,The Veteran’s TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is intertwined with the evaluation issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition and sinusitis due to insufficient evidence of record.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for right knee, left knee, and low back disabilities due to inadequate examination in May 2016. The Veteran's lay statements will be considered along with his service treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's low back injury is not yet determined as service-connected.