Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, a low back disability, and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a right hip disability to allow for additional development.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 80%, meeting the threshold percentage requirements for a TDIU. However, despite this, VA medical opinions indicate that the Veteran's service-connected conditions do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the Veteran's back disability did not originate during her active service and is not otherwise related to service. As a result, she cannot establish service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of entitlement to service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, hypertension, migraines, or lumbar strain.

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

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability is denied. The Board finds that a new VA examination is warranted due to the passage of time and changes in symptoms since the last examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the appellant's current back disability. The appeal is REMANDED.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, musculoskeletal issues, eye problems, and gastrointestinal issues. The Board has determined that further medical examination and opinion are necessary to address the nature and etiology of these claims.,The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus have also been remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disabilities are related to service, and thus granted his claim for service connection.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for bilateral knee disability as resolved by a March 2015 award of service connection. The remaining claims on lower back and left shoulder disabilities are denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including reviewing new evidence and conducting a VA examination to address the current nature and etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability. The AOJ is also requested to confirm the dates of the Veteran's participation in the United States Army reserves and consider whether any service-connected disability caused or aggravated his right knee condition.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and denied service connection for a low back disability. The Veteran's current diagnoses are supported by medical evidence, but the in-service injury is not shown to have caused or resulted in chronic symptoms of a lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and respiratory conditions due to inadequate examinations. The low back disorder claim is also being remanded as there are inconsistencies in the medical records regarding its etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy are related to an injury sustained during his INACDUTRA period, and thus service connection is granted.

The claims of entitlement to service connection for right hip, left hip, and back conditions have been reopened. The Veteran's knee conditions are also pending.,Service connection for a kidney disability is not warranted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, stomach disorder, high cholesterol, and an eye disorder prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, updating employment information, and providing a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current low back disability, as well as additional medical records are required. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for ischemic heart disease is granted on a presumptive basis due to his Vietnam-era exposure. The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are also granted, but the specific disability evaluation remains pending as new VA examinations are needed.

The Board has reopened the claim and granted service connection for low back disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability due to new evidence showing a relationship between current conditions and service.