Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence of record. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations and provide etiology opinions regarding his back, bilateral knee, hand, hearing loss, and tinnitus conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a back disability. The claims for service connection for left shoulder and bilateral flat foot disabilities are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with lumbar laminectomy scar was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.,The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was considered abandoned due to his failure to submit requested information and forms.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right shoulder, lumbar spine, and right knee degenerative arthritis have been denied as the evidence does not show that his conditions meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's claim for a low back disability and TMJ was reopened, with the new evidence showing diagnoses of low back pain and TMJ. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected as it is at least as likely as not due to her service-connected vertigo.,The Veteran's DDD of the cervical spine has been granted a 30% disability rating, which is the maximum schedular rating available under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the appeal is, therefore, REMANDED as directed below.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to inadequate examination and failure to address all relevant factors.

The Veteran's low back disability, characterized by painful motion on forward flexion to 70 degrees with a combined range of motion (CROM) of 200 degrees and no tenderness or muscle spasms, has been rated at 10 percent since the initial rating period. The Board found that this rating is appropriate given the Veteran's functional limitations but noted that he did not meet criteria for higher ratings due to additional loss of range of motion during flare-ups or use over time.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo with dizziness has been dismissed. The Veteran's PTSD is now rated at 70 percent effective April 29, 2018.,The Veteran's right shoulder condition, back condition, left knee condition, and right knee condition are all pending and need further evaluation by a VA medical professional.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded for a new examination to assess its current severity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular requirements for TDIU prior to October 28, 2008. The Board has referred this case to the Director, Compensation Service for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU rating.

The Veteran's mood disorder due to GMC is granted as secondary to his service-connected degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine. The rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine remains at 40 percent, and a higher rating is denied. His left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent from April 1, 2013, with restoration to 20 percent effective that date. The claim for TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's prostate cancer was not incurred or aggravated by service, and the Board denied his claim for service connection. The appeal is also remanded for further examination regarding special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance/housebound.

The Board denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for a back disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been received. The evidence submitted was considered duplicative and did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for PTSD, left rotator cuff disability, depression, and a lumbar disability. The Veteran's representative withdrew his request for a hearing, and the AOJ must review all evidence received since the November 2015 statement of the case.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating greater than 10 percent for degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is being remanded due to inadequate examination and lack of information regarding flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders, as well as eye allergies. The Veteran is required to report for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders, as well as a back disorder due to secondary effects of service-connected left ankle disability. Additional evidence is needed to determine the existence and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and left ankle disability due to insufficient examination reports. The VA is instructed to obtain updated treatment records, verify periods of active duty, and schedule new examinations.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected chronic lumbar strain and right ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.