Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including arthritis, olecranon bursitis of both elbows, low back disability, left and right hip disabilities, Lyme disease, Lupus, pulmonary embolism and infarction, erectile dysfunction as secondary to diabetes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The remand also includes a request for additional VA treatment records and medical opinions.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to assess the severity of his service-connected back disability, including any associated neurological conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was reopened due to new evidence submitted since the previous denial. The Board found that his current back disability is causally related to military service and granted service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease and spondylosis at L4 with grade 1 spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine is granted a 40 percent disability rating from April 18, 2013 onwards.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C is remanded due to incomplete records and the need for an examination to secure a fully adequate opinion.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right lower extremity sciatica, left lower extremity sciatica, and his variously diagnosed psychiatric disability are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar strain is remanded due to the need for an examination to secure a fully adequate opinion.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral pes cavus and claw foot with hallux valgus of the great toe and first metatarsal hammertoes is remanded due to the need for an examination to secure a fully adequate opinion.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including low back strain and hypertension. The claims are remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has a current lumbar spine disorder that manifested in service or is otherwise causally related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for joint disabilities and a lumbar spine disability, as well as their secondary to service-connected pes planus. The Veteran needs to undergo VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to service or due to his service-connected pes planus.

The Veteran's back disorders, including degenerative arthritis of the spine, lumbosacral strain, and degenerative disc disease, were not incurred in service as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year after separation. The Board found that the current conditions are not related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for back and neck disorders due to insufficient evidence regarding a current diagnosis of glaucoma.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability has rendered him unemployable, and the Board grants a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate examination report, and a need for updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, reflecting significant impairment in occupational and social functioning.,Service connection has been granted for a spine disability as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's left leg deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms. The lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) has been increased to a 20 percent rating effective December 30, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board finds there is new and material evidence to reopen his claims.,Service connection has been granted for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding service connection for a cervical spine disability, as well as increased evaluations for lumbar disc surgery and hemorrhoids. The Veteran's claims are not yet resolved.

The Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities are granted as service-connected.,Service connection for a neck disability is remanded due to lack of sufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a back disability and bilateral knee disability due to insufficient evidence, including lack of VA examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to deficiencies in previous VA examinations and the need for clarification of the Veteran's symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his right knee disability and service connection for his lower back disability are remanded due to inadequate examinations, incomplete medical records, and need for further development.