Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and bilateral cervical radiculopathy, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current thoracolumbar spine condition is related to his service, including carrying heavy loads and climbing in mountainous terrain.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a kidney condition (partial nephrectomy) and partial colectomy, but has remanded the case to obtain an opinion on whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining additional medical records, scheduling VA examinations, and providing a more detailed opinion regarding his service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided that the recoupment of separation pay through withholding of disability compensation payments is proper and remands for further development regarding the level of severity of the Veteran's cervical spine, left knee, and lumbar spine disabilities during his first period of service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for cervical and lumbosacral spine disabilities, headaches, depression, and penis disability (ED) due to inadequate examinations that did not consider lay evidence of symptoms from service. The Veteran's service records do not provide a clear picture of his pre-service health or any in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right knee, left knee, right foot, left foot, low back, and gastrointestinal conditions. The issues are related to whether these disabilities are related to service or other in-service events.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome of the thoracolumbar spine have been rated at 60 percent since April 19, 2002.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of bilateral upper extremities has been granted, with a rating of 30 percent. The other conditions and issues have either not met the criteria for higher ratings or were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's back disability prior to November 5, 2005 and during the appeal period. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to provide retrospective range of motion measurements and assess functional impairment.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including diabetes, heart disorder, lower back condition, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, hearing loss, tinnitus, GERD, and service connection. The issues are inextricably intertwined due to their interrelated nature.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic lumbar strain, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of recent VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to new evidence added since the last Statement of the Case. The claims will be reviewed again, including a TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back disorder and neck disorder due to additional development being required.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claims, specifically related to exposure at Camp LeJeune.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for lumbar spine disability prior to March 10, 2015 was granted at a 20 percent rating. The appeal is denied for evaluations in excess of 40 percent since March 10, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an upper back disability and a right knee disability due to unclear diagnoses and inadequate examination findings. The claims are pending further clarification.

The Veteran's low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and cervical spine disability are granted. The right hip and left foot disabilities are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the RO's decision to reduce the Veteran's rating for arthritis of the right ankle from 10% to 0% in November 2001 was correct. The Veteran is seeking service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders, which he claims are related to his military service. The appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and schedule a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back condition. The Veteran will need a new examination and opinion from an appropriate clinician.