Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's initial claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine disability was denied. The current assigned rating is maintained.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for dental treatment purposes and low back disability, but has remanded both issues due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical records and undergo VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy, but the issues of higher evaluations and TDIU are remanded due to need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for DJD of the lumbar spine is granted. Claims for other conditions are denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's back and knee disabilities are related to his military service. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's lumbar spine, left hip and right hip osteopenia cases are being remanded for additional examinations to determine the current symptomatology of his disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims due to inadequate previous VA examinations for the Veteran's lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities. The Veteran is required to provide new evidence of his disability.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a TDIU rating. The AOJ should request any outstanding medical records and lay statements from the Veteran to support his claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to comply with previous remand directives.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck disability and a higher initial rating for bilateral pes planus, hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, and calcaneal spurs due to outstanding VA treatment records and additional relevant evidence.

The Veteran's attorney withdrew the appeal of service connection for hypertension, hearing loss, and initial ratings for bipolar II disorder with psychotic features and PTSD, spinal stenosis at L4-5, lumbar radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremity, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's disability rating for lumbar sprain/strain with DDD was granted at a 20 percent level, effective January 17, 2012. The claim for left ankle sprain/strain with chronic DJD is denied. TDIU remains denied.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for low back, right knee, and right hip conditions as secondary to a service-connected right toe bunionectomy. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its intertwinement with the pending service connection claims.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of chronic fatigue syndrome is granted. Service connection for this condition is also granted. The claims for low back condition, peripheral neuropathy (left lower extremity), and sleep disturbances are remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's service connection claim for a low back disability, but has remanded her claims for left hip and bilateral knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, a rating in excess of 20 percent for a lumbar spine disability, an increased rating for tinnitus, and a compensable rating for a lumbar spine scar. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disorder and tinnitus, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the low back disorder claim and concluding that there is no medical or credible lay evidence linking the tinnitus to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left foot disability, ovarian cyst, sinusitis, arthritis, abdominal pain, chest pain, low back disability with radiculopathy of the lower extremities, sleep apnea, neuroma of the left foot, fibromyalgia, diabetes mellitus, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and anemia. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's low back disorder may be related to his service-connected psychiatric disorder, but there are issues with the current medical opinions provided. The case is being remanded for further evaluation and a new opinion from a qualified VA examiner.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral ankle condition, left foot surgery with scar, low back condition, bilateral knee condition, and bilateral hip condition. The claim for mandibular hypoplasia is also remanded as it requires further examination to determine if any diagnosed conditions are related to service.