Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for a lumbar spine disability and entitlement to TDIU due to inadequate prior examinations. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's low back pain is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for gout, left elbow bursitis, right elbow bursitis, low back disorder, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, type 2 have all been denied.,There is no evidence of any in-service injury or disease that could be linked to the current conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC), and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to May 29, 2013. The remand requires that VA obtain new examinations to assess the severity of these disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, left knee disability, right knee disability, bilateral eye disability, and lumbar spine disability are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions in the October 2016 VA examination.,The Board deems the Veteran’s request for a Travel Board hearing withdrawn.

The Board has denied service connection for the claimed conditions as they are not related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to unclear reasons and bases provided in the April 2018 decision. The issues are related as they all involve disabilities that pre-existed service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for residuals of heart attack, hypertension pressure, and asthma have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the remaining issues including right knee, lower back condition, left knee disabilities, and rating claims.

The Veteran's claim for a low back condition has been reopened and remanded. The claims for muscle pain, joint pain, bilateral ankle pain, bilateral knee pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome have also been remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on several conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but remanded the lumbar spine disorder claim due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorders.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depression), and low back disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the Board's failure to consider it prior to August 16, 2015. The case will be reconsidered along with other pending claims.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent prior to July 28, 2011 and in excess of 40 percent thereafter. The left knee disability remains under appeal. TDIU and SMC based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound are also pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient discussion of whether the Veteran's spondylosis is a form of arthritis, and for additional medical opinion regarding the etiology of his low back disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has been granted, and he is also entitled to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The MDD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service-connected mixed connective tissue disease (Marfan syndrome) has been granted separate ratings for multiple joint disabilities, including right and left knee pain and limited flexion, right and left ankle pain and limited range of motion, right and left hand/finger pain and limited range of motion, and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including examinations to address his claimed conditions and their relationship to service. The claims are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's back disability, including his service connection claim.