Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence being uploaded into the Veteran's claims file, and a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) must be issued for the issues of service connection for tailbone/coccyx disability and increased ratings for thoracolumbar strain, bilateral patellofemoral syndrome, left leg calf strain, and migraine headaches.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's low back disability and acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for spondylolisthesis L5-S1, status post lumbar fusion (claimed as chronic back pain), right ankle disability, and left ankle disability. The decision to reopen the claim of service connection for left ankle disability is remanded due to new evidence showing an old healed fracture in the Veteran's left ankle.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to inadequate examination findings. He will need to undergo another VA examination that complies with the requirements set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.59.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for a new examination of his service-connected left leg/ankle disability, as well as the referral of a claim regarding a back disability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, lumbar muscle injury, right lower abdomen muscle injury, right thigh muscle injury, and left calf muscle injury are all rated based on their current severity. The Board has found that a higher rating is warranted for the period prior to May 14, 2015, but remanded for further development of his claims due to lack of recent VA examinations and outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for evaluation of lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis, as well as service connection for an upper back disability (secondary to her service-connected lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis), are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back and left shoulder disabilities due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claims will be reviewed again with a focus on whether the current conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied. However, he received separate ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy from July 30, 2010 onwards. The Veteran also received a TDIU grant due to his service-connected conditions precluding him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.,The Veteran's CAD is currently rated at 30 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral knee disabilities. The appeal regarding his low back disability is dismissed as he withdrew it prior to a decision.

The Veteran's claim of a higher initial rating for his chronic low back strain is being remanded due to the need for updated medical evidence and an examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's conditions and their relationship to his service or a back disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that further medical evaluation and opinion are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including back disability, bilateral hearing loss, respiratory condition (COPD), and migraine headaches. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has decided to remand three issues: service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to all service-connected disabilities, rating higher than 10 percent for the service-connected migraine disability, and rating higher than 40 percent for the service-connected back disability. Additional development is needed.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a low back condition due to new evidence. The claim for service connection for a respiratory condition is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and remanded the issue of service connection for skin disorders as due to herbicide exposure. The case is being returned to VA for further review.

The claim to reopen the service connection for a back disability was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The rating for left ankle strain remains at 10 percent.