Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has decided that the Veteran's back disability is related to his in-service right shoulder injury and should be considered for service connection. However, due to inadequate examination findings, a new VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran's back condition had its onset during service or is aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder condition.

The Veteran's cervical intervertebral disc syndrome and lumbar spondylosis, L4-L5, L5-S1 with degenerative disc disease are each rated at 20 percent disabling. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for either condition during the period on appeal.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been rated based on limitation of motion and currently assigned a 20 percent rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient explanations in a previous VA opinion and the need for additional medical records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for his back disability is being returned for further evaluation.

The Board has denied service connection for muscle atrophy due to lack of evidence of current disability. Service connection for a thoracolumbar spine condition is remanded as there are indications it may be related to incidents in service and/or service-connected cervical spine disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of service connection for his lumbar spine disability, as it is unclear whether the underlying condition was aggravated by his other service-connected disabilities. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee, right knee, and thoracolumbar spine disabilities based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding treatment records and an addendum opinion regarding his lumbar spine disability. The issues of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and residuals of a head injury are being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for lumbar spine, left hip, and right knee disorders due to their potential relationship with a service-connected right foot disability. The VA is instructed to obtain new examinations and opinions that consider the Veteran's lay reports regarding his symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal as the withholding of VA disability compensation benefits for 31 training days in FY 2014 was proper, based on the documentation provided by the Veteran and his unit commander.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected radiculopathy, right sciatic nerve, left sciatic nerve, hemorrhoids, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, kidney stones, lip numbness, and gastrointestinal disorders have been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disability of the lumbosacral spine and right lower extremity neuropathy due to VA treatment is denied as there was no additional disability resulting from VA care, and any alleged failure by VA to diagnose or treat did not result in progression of his condition.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was not rated higher than 10 percent, as it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was not rated higher than 40 percent, as there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and lack of consideration of the Veteran's in-service injury and symptoms. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, which she claims was caused by carrying heavy equipment during active military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient opinions in previous VA examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disorder and right lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar intradural mass lesion and thoracic mass due to lack of evidence in service records, and the need to obtain additional treatment records. The Veteran's tumors are not presumed to be related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

Service connection is denied for glaucoma, a right foot condition (claimed as trench foot), a skin condition (claimed as psoriasis), a right hip condition, and left shoulder and low back conditions.,There is no evidence of current diagnoses or service-connected disabilities related to the claimed right foot condition, skin condition, right hip condition, left shoulder condition, or low back condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his low back disorder. The Veteran is not granted service connection for heart and wrist conditions.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left ankle sprain, right and left knee disabilities, lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, and hypertension. The Veteran is required to provide VA with his private treatment records for these conditions.