Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for SMC at the R-1 or R-2 level is remanded due to outstanding VA and non-VA treatment records. The AOJ should obtain these records and conduct further development as needed.

The Board denied an increased rating for low back strain, finding that the Veteran cancelled a VA examination without showing good cause.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent prior to May 1, 2018. The rating will be reconsidered as the case remains in appellate status.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for further evaluation of certain conditions.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and medical opinions did not comply with the remand directives, thus the cases for service connection of low back disability and neck disability are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, specifically whether it is related to service or a chronic disease that manifested within one year of separation from service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings and TDIU prior to September 1, 2016. The case is being remanded for further examination and review.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's claim and need for further evidence, including verification of a medical board report.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, gastrointestinal disorder (including gastroesophageal reflux disease), and headaches. The Veteran's current disabilities were not incurred in or related to his military service.,For the right foot fracture with residual pain, initial disability rating of 10 percent is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. The erectile dysfunction claim is remanded due to its inextricability with the other two issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,Specifically, new VA examinations are required for her cervical spine and lumbosacral spine disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder) as these conditions are deemed to have been incurred during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability and lower bilateral radiculopathy disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of August 3, 2006. The Board granted TDIU on an extraschedular basis for the period from August 3, 2006 to April 21, 2016.

The Board denied service connection for a lower back disability, including degenerative arthritis of the spine, finding that there was no evidence of chronic disease during or within one year after service and that the current disabilities are not related to service.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and a right knee disorder, finding no direct or secondary evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for upper respiratory conditions, pulmonary conditions, and gastrointestinal conditions due to lack of a VA examination. The heart disability and sleep apnea claims have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and a lower back disorder, finding that the Veteran's hypertension is secondary to his diabetes mellitus type II and that his lower back disorder was aggravated by his service-connected diabetes. The effective date of these determinations is not specified.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU rating.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional treatment records from Fort Riley and Neu Ulm, Germany. The Veteran must provide specific dates of treatment at these locations.