Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar, left hip, and right hip disabilities have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The claim for acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) has also been reopened.,The Board is remanding these issues back to the RO/AMC for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his left knee disability, left knee instability, and atrophy of the muscles of the left lower extremity due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of his back disability.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine as there was no evidence linking the condition to active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance or being housebound due to issues related to his lumbar degenerative disc disease and lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his thoracolumbar spine condition was remanded. His need for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance was also remanded due to the lack of evidence showing he requires regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatica), and bilateral hip pain have been granted service connection.

The Board has determined that new VA examinations are needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and right lower extremity disabilities, as well as updated treatment records should be obtained.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to insufficient medical opinions regarding his low back condition and left ankle disability. The claims will be reviewed again with new examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for thoracolumbar strain with degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, as well as his claim for a TDIU. The Veteran testified that his service-connected disabilities have worsened and prevented him from maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for low back, left knee, right knee and right ankle disabilities due to lack of proper notice and scheduling for examinations. New examinations are needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including hip, knee, ankle, back, groin pain, and heart disease, as they were not incurred in or due to the Veteran's time in service.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of chronic lumbar back strain and service connection for right hip condition as secondary to his service-connected chronic lumbar back strain are remanded. The claim for a separate disability rating for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is also remanded, and the TDIU claim remains inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's application to reopen a previously denied claim for entitlement to service connection for a left hip disability is granted. Service connection for a left hip disability is also granted.,Increased ratings are granted for the lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various disabilities, including low back disability, left knee disability, right leg disability, sleep apnea, and IBS. The issues are related to secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine condition was granted with an effective date of February 7, 1996.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and a need for an examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations. The claims will be reviewed after obtaining all relevant records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neck disability, including cervical degenerative disc disease and cervical stenosis with myelopathy, is related to his active naval service. As a result, the claim for service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied service connection for low back, left hip, and right hip conditions. The issues of secondary service connection for CAD, hypertension, ED, diabetes mellitus as secondary to herbicide exposure, peripheral neuropathy, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) as secondary to CAD are remanded.,No effective date was provided in the decision.