Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, finding that the Veteran's current disability is not related to his active-duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his thoracolumbar spine disability, service connection for a hip disorder as secondary to his thoracolumbar spine disability, and TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The AOJ is instructed to obtain updated VA treatment records, assist with the Veteran's claim of entitlement to TDIU, schedule the Veteran for a VA thoracolumbar spine examination, and provide a VA hip disorder examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition has been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,Service connection for flat feet and knee conditions are remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for fatigue due to Gulf War Syndrome, reopening of the claim for a lumbar spine disability, and reopening of the claim for migraines. Additional evidence was added since the last decision but not reviewed by the RO. The Veteran's Fort Belvoir treatment records are also needed.

The Board dismissed all service connection claims for various shoulder, wrist, ankle, and spine disorders. The claim for a headache disorder was reopened based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran. Secondary service connection was granted for migraine headaches related to PTSD. Service connection was established for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, finding that both conditions are at least as likely as not caused by the Veteran's active duty service. The claimant's significant exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam is considered relevant evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for thoracolumbar spine condition, including as secondary to her service-connected bilateral knee or hip disabilities. The case is being returned for further development and consideration of a nexus between the Veteran's military service and her current back condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and bilateral knee condition due to insufficient medical opinions. The issues are being returned for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 25, 2012, finding that it is not factually ascertainable that he became unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities in the year prior to filing his claim.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been assigned the maximum schedular rating available. The claims for service connection and increased ratings for various disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected psychiatric disorder and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease from December 5, 2016 due to outstanding VA medical records not being available in the claims file.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD and denied service connection for left ear hearing loss, asthma, Crohn's disease, and a back disability. The claim of entitlement to service connection for a heart condition is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, bilateral foot, and low back conditions due to inadequate development in prior VA medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment as of February 7, 2017. Prior to that date, the evidence did not demonstrate sufficient disability to meet TDIU criteria.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a new examination to assess the current severity and impact on functioning of his lumbar degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy into each lower extremity, and bilateral plantar fasciitis. The issues include increased ratings for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to obtain relevant medical records, as there is no indication that these records are pertinent to service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee, right knee, and back disabilities are being remanded due to procedural issues. The claim of service connection for a left shoulder disability is also being remanded as the medical opinions provided were deemed inadequate.

The Board denied service connection for neck, low back, and bilateral leg disabilities as there was no evidence of such conditions during or immediately following the Appellant's period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA). The Board found that any current disabilities were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted. The issues of service connection for cervical spine disorder, headache disorder, left shoulder condition, and right shoulder condition are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete evidence. The claims will be further developed to obtain additional information about the Veteran's in-service stressors, as well as treatment records and private medical opinions.