Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded several claims related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, including issues for increased ratings and secondary radiculopathy. The claims are being returned for further development due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, PTSD, cervical degenerative joint disease with fusion C3-7, lumbosacral strain (low back pain), and various peripheral nerve conditions, meet the criteria for SMC at a higher rate due to their combined effect on his ability to perform daily activities.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the previously denied claims for bilateral cystic mastitis, brain growth, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, sinus disorder, head pain (or headaches), low back disorder, and right hip disorder were all denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lower back condition, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and cardiovascular hypertension have been remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a GI condition and chronic headache condition were withdrawn.

The Veteran's tinnitus, hearing loss, low back disability, left foot hallux valgus, and right foot hallux valgus claims are remanded for additional development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, to include lumbosacral strain, finding that there is no evidence of such disability being incurred or aggravated during active service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to his meningitis and subsequent spinal tap procedures.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the unavailability of service treatment records and the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current lower back disability is related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a left knee disorder, a right knee disorder, and a thoracolumbar spine disorder. Service connection for tinnitus was also granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, including the claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that it is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral foot disabilities. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral leg disability (claimed as bilateral knee pain).

The Veteran's lumbar disability, right and left lower extremity sciatic radulopathy, and cervical spine disability are all granted service connection. The cervical spine disability is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the inadequacy of previous examinations.,An earlier effective date claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with other claims.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a back disability due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset and etiology. The Veteran's presumed soundness at entry into service is now considered, and additional opinions are needed from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Multiple Sclerosis is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his disability developed during service or within the presumptive period.,The Veteran's increased rating claims for Degenerative Changes at L4-5 and L5-S1 (back disability), Right Lower Extremity Sciatic Nerve Radiculopathy, and Left Lower Extremity Sciatic Nerve Radiculopathy are remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the impact of flare-ups on his functional ability.,The Veteran's service connection claim for Bladder Disability is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if it is proximately due to or the result of his service connected back disability, and whether it was aggravated by his service-connected back disability. ,The Veteran's service connection claim for Bowel Disability is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if it is proximately due to or the result of his service connected back disability, and whether it was aggravated by his service-connected back disability.

The Board has dismissed all claims as the Veteran died during the appeal process and there is no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these cases.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are remanded for further evaluation due to the need for clarification on whether their functional limitations constitute ankylosis.

The Veteran's IBS has been granted a 10 percent rating from November 21, 2016. The other issues have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further consideration due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and a need for AOJ review.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), sacroiliac injury, and sacroiliac weakness on a direct basis as chronic disease under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(b) due to continuous symptoms since service.