Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection, while the claim for an increased rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder and lower back conditions, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions due to incomplete service treatment records from his Reserve service. The AOJ must obtain these records and, if necessary, schedule VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine and lumbar disc disease status post lumbar decompression surgery are granted. The left shoulder condition is denied, but a reduction in rating for cervical degenerative joint disease status post spine fusion from 20% to 10% effective March 7, 2015 is restored. A reduction in rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis from 50% to 30% effective March 7, 2015 is also restored.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar, cervical spine, and radiculopathy conditions during his military service.

The claim for service connection for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the cervical spine is granted. The claim for service connection for Medial Epicondylitis of the right elbow is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia and remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her lumbar spine and left foot disabilities.

The Veteran's esophageal cancer, peripheral vascular disease, and low back strain are all found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to the service-connected diabetes.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left knee disability and post-operative residuals of a hernia repair due to the need for additional development.,The issue of service connection for CRPS is also being remanded as there may be an association with the Veteran's headaches, requiring further examination.,Service connection for post-operative residuals of a hernia repair is being remanded because the evidence suggests it may have been aggravated by service. ,The issue of service connection for sinus disability is being remanded due to potential aggravation during service and current symptoms.,Service connection for back disability, secondary to left ankle disability, is also being remanded as there are indications that the Veteran's condition may be related to his service.,Service connection for stomach condition is being remanded because of potential association with service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back, right hip, and left knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, left lower extremity disorder (sciatica), and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to conflicting medical opinions and insufficient evidence. The Veteran's right knee disability claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back and left ankle disabilities due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and medical opinions from Dr. S.V.

The Veteran's lumbar spine strain has increased in severity since his last VA examination, and he should be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for neck and back disorders due to inadequate examination findings. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a low back disorder. However, it is denied as there is no medical opinion linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent and his radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is rated at 10 percent. The combined rating is 30 percent. An evaluation in excess of 20 percent for the lumbar spine disability is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back, right foot, pulmonary, and skin disabilities. The cases are remanded to obtain additional medical records and to provide a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy due to outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran is advised to provide updated medical records from various VA facilities and complete a VA Form 21-4142 for any private providers who have treated his disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: the rating for low back disability and service connection for unspecified depressive disorder. The Veteran's low back disability needs a new VA examination due to recent worsening, and his psychiatric disorder requires an addendum opinion from the VA examiner.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease, allergic rhinitis, right shoulder strain, and chronic sinusitis are granted. However, the claims for right shoulder disability and chronic sinusitis need to be remanded due to insufficient evidence.