Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot, low back, left hip, and left knee disabilities due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee disability, left hip and low back disabilities, and TDIU due to issues with the evaluations of his service-connected conditions and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those related to psychiatric disorders, back and neck conditions, OSA, knee disorders, and hypertension. The Veteran's request for a DRO hearing remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar stenosis with early arthritis of the thoracic vertebrae, claimed as residuals of a lower back injury, is etiologically related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for an annual VA clothing allowance due to use of crutches, as there is no probative evidence showing frequent or consistent use of the crutches.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back, right hip and left hip disabilities as well as tinnitus due to new evidence received since the last decision. The Veteran needs VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a right club foot, back disorder, and sciatica have been reopened. The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his service-connected low back strain and genital herpes is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on multiple disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims of service connection for various conditions were denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for generalized anxiety disorder was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and right knee disabilities were not incurred in service, as there is no evidence of chronic conditions within one year post-service. The Board also found conflicting reports regarding the onset of symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder disorder, migraine, neck disorder, and back disorder are denied. The right shoulder and left ankle disorders have been remanded for further examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition and residuals of head injury with atypical organic brain syndrome due to lack of evidence of current disability. The case is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's left hand injury, unspecified joint swelling and pain, ddd of the lumbar spine, sleep apnea, skin rash, face, chest, and arms, and headaches are all found to be related to service.,Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for upper back and neck disability and lower back disability due to lack of evidence showing a link between the disabilities and active service. The appeal is remanded for further verification of the Veteran's claimed reserve service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including a VA examination and opinion regarding his hearing loss, high arches, back disorder, neck disorder, and right leg disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including her service records and treatment history.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, and the claim of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied. The claims for service connection for lumbar spine disorder and left foot drop are denied, while the claim for service connection for skin disorder other than tinea corporis is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability has been reopened and is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss has been reopened and is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been reopened and is granted.

The Board has remanded two issues related to undiagnosed illnesses affecting the Veteran's hands and wrists. The Veteran is seeking higher ratings for these conditions, which are currently rated as 20 percent each.