Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's low back disability, including DDD and HNP, is not service-connected as it did not manifest within one year of separation from service or due to a disease or injury in service.,Her bilateral hip disability, including GT bursitis, is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.,The Veteran's bilateral dry eye condition (DES and conjunctivitis) is not service-connected as she was not diagnosed with this condition until after separation from service.,Genital herpes is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.,Her gynecological disability, including uterine fibroids, bilateral ovarian cysts, pelvic adhesions, dysmenorrhea and post-partner infection, is not service-connected as she was not diagnosed with this condition until after separation from service.,Her psychiatric disorder (PTSD due to MST and depressive disorder) is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.,Her headache disorder is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.,Her respiratory condition (asthma and left hilar lymphadenopathy) is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inaccurate analysis of the Veteran's service treatment records and inadequate examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine secondary to his bilateral knee disabilities, which he claims are related to a spinal anesthesia during his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is at least as likely as not related to his active duty for training in the Army Reserve, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine strain with degenerative disc disease is granted. The Board found that the Veteran experienced ongoing low back pain related to his lumbar spine strain and degenerative disc disease since separation from service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and an increased rating for his depressive disorder with secondary alcohol abuse are remanded. The claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for depressive disorder is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to June 7, 2016.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, skin condition, sleep apnea, and lumbar spine disability due to lack of evidence showing a current disability in each case.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between his current disabilities and his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for joint pain, bilateral knee disabilities, and a low back disability are denied. The claims for squamous cell carcinomas of the earlobes, left hand, nose, and right forehead are also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including back, right and left knee, and bilateral foot disabilities. The claims are pending further development.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.,His claim for service connection of right knee disability was reopened due to new and material evidence, but the issue remains pending with a remand for further examination.,Service connection for right knee ACL laxity with degenerative joint disease is granted. The Veteran's current condition is attributed to his in-service injury.,The Veteran's appeal for higher rating of lower back strain with degenerative disc disease is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her lumbar spine disability, tension headaches, and PTSD with MDD and TBI are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues with representation and additional evidence being associated with the file. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition is still pending.

The Board has dismissed the claims for a right and left leg condition, denied the claim for a back disorder, and remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence to determine his eligibility.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for various disabilities, including right knee, ankle, hip, and low back DJD. The claims are being reviewed due to incomplete medical evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability was granted with an effective date of December 5, 1981. His claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder was also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, finding that there was no nexus between his current disability and service. The preponderance of evidence did not indicate that the Veteran's back disorder began during or was related to his military service.