Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and right-hip disorder. The claims are remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for onychomycosis of the feet, xerosis cutis of the toenails, and degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine were denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service.,VA examinations concluded that the Veteran’s current conditions are less likely related to his military service.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from May 1, 2014 to August 1, 2016 due to his service-connected disabilities that precluded substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back condition and a neck condition, finding that there is sufficient evidence to establish continuity of symptomatology since service. The Veteran's current conditions are considered chronic diseases under VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, left leg disability, left index finger scar, and left flank scar based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disability is not causally related to active service, including as secondary to his service-connected flat feet.

The Board denied an increased disability rating for a low back condition, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine being less than 30 degrees or unfavorable ankylosis.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development to obtain relevant treatment notes and opinions regarding his claimed conditions, particularly in relation to multi-symptom illness associated with Persian Gulf War service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee, hip and lumbar spine disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The examiner found no nexus between the claimed disabilities and active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an incomplete VA Form 20-0996 and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the appellant's back disorder.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 have been remanded due to discrepancies in the medical opinions and need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for a left shoulder disability, to include a rotator cuff tear and bursitis, is denied. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or instability that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and an addendum opinion to determine if the Veteran's current lumbar strain is at least as likely as not caused by his in-service back strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates are denied and his claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, entitlement to TDIU benefits, and SMC on and after May 1, 2010. These matters will be reconsidered with consideration given to all pertinent evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of L5-S1, claimed as mid/low back disorder. The Veteran's current diagnosis is supported by his in-service treatment records and ongoing symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, back disability, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The claim for tinnitus was granted as at least as likely as not related to noise exposure during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar strain has been reopened due to the submission of new medical records and lay statements. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his low back disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has granted service connection for headaches. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for low back disorder, right knee disorder, and right ankle disorder due to lack of evidence showing a relationship between these conditions and military service.,The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 was also denied as the proximate cause of his need for subsequent surgery was not found to be reasonably foreseeable or related to VA treatment.