Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated employment information and medical records, scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's ability to work due to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, and conducting an evaluation of the combined effects of all service-connected disabilities on employment.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability with IVDS has been rated at 40 percent since November 6, 2014. The rating is denied as the evidence does not show limitation of motion to 30 degrees or less.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disability, lumbar spine disability, and respiratory disability due to in-service asbestos and chemical exposures (CB and CTC) have been denied. The Board notes that the Veteran served as a firefighter in the Aircraft crash and rescue division.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting further examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling medical examinations, and considering new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous VA examination of his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining service records and VA treatment records. The issues of entitlement to service connection for hypertension and whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus are also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation. The propriety of reducing the evaluation of his CAD from 60 percent to 30 percent is also addressed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a back disorder, bilateral lower extremity sciatica, hypertension, right and left hip disorders, and atrophy of the leg are all denied as secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and right leg disabilities are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA and private clinical documentation.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as lumbar strain, originated during his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for his low back strain with sciatic nerve, right leg involvement was granted. He is now rated at 40 percent effective July 29, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been evaluated at 40 percent throughout the appeal period, which is the maximum schedular evaluation based on limitation of motion. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes sufficient to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to insufficient examination opinions regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employability. The case is now referred for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the preexisting condition was not aggravated during service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent since April 12, 2012. The rating remains unchanged for the other issues on appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and hypertension. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.