Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and the need for additional records, including Social Security Administration records. The Veteran's low back disability is being examined again to determine its relationship to service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient competent medical evidence on file, requiring an examination and opinion from qualified medical personnel.

The Board has remanded the claims for low back disability, bilateral foot disability, and acquired psychiatric disability due to insufficient medical evidence of record.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his in-service injury and is more likely due to natural aging and heavy labor after service.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection of various conditions due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for a back disability has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal before the Board issued its decision.

The Veteran's request to reopen the claim for service connection of a low back disability is granted. The Board also remanded the issue due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The cervical degenerative disc disease (DDD) claim is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding whether it was aggravated by his service-connected chronic lumbar fibromyositis.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating greater than 20 percent for his lumbar degenerative disc disease and spondylosis is being remanded due to worsening symptoms. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as the VA examination records need to be updated.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for hernia condition, thoracolumbar spine disorder, psychiatric disorder (including depression and PTSD), right shoulder disorder, and left shoulder disorder. The remand includes obtaining additional VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination for scoliosis, and requesting an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between current psychiatric disorders and military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, and lower back disability. The claims are granted as entitlement to service connection is established for these conditions.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for a skin disorder, to include chloracne, is granted. Service connection for a skin disorder, to include chloracne, is denied. The rating for coronary artery disease in excess of 10 percent prior to September 20, 2016 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter is remanded. The service connection for a low back disorder is also remanded. The issue of total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The claim for service connection of various conditions, including low back disability, psychiatric disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, and hand injuries, is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is being remanded due to incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected post-operative disc syndrome with nerve root residuals and spinal fusion caused him to require aid and attendance on a regular basis due to his disability. His spine condition did not result in unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, so he was granted SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound status. However, his increased rating claim for post-operative disc syndrome with nerve root residuals and spinal fusion with nerve root residuals and spinal fusion was denied as there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that it was aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected left leg disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for hypertension due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset during or within one year after military service.,Service connection is denied for a low back condition, right knee condition, left knee condition, and hyperlipidemia.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's neck and upper back disability, as well as her bilateral shoulder disability. The claims are also remanded for a determination on whether these disabilities are secondary to service-connected migraine headaches.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, residuals of a traumatic brain injury, and amnesia. The claims are being remanded to allow for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, including arthritis and degenerative disk disease, is etiologically related to her service in the United States Navy. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.