Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain service treatment records and medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and providing the Veteran with a competent medical examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis was not reopened. The left foot Lisfranc sprain is rated at 10 percent, and the lumbar strain remains at 20 percent. No new rating has been granted for right or acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding records and a need for additional examination.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 40 percent effective February 3, 2014. The rating is for pain on motion and degenerative changes in the spine.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected lumbar strain and radiculopathy. The Veteran also needs to provide any outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of PTSD, lumbar arthritis, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and irritable bowel syndrome were denied as there was no evidence of a claim prior to May 16, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back and neck disorders are not related to his military service. The claims for right knee disorder, dental disorder, and left knee disorder have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received.

The Board found that the Veteran's current multilevel degenerative disc and joint disease is not etiologically related to his active service, including a reported fall off a helicopter during service. The disability was diagnosed many years after service and there is no clear evidence of in-service injury or chronic symptomatology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder is not etiologically related to his active military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to an increased rating for a low back disability and entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The RO should issue a supplemental statement of the case with regard to these issues.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed shoulder, low back, ankle, and hip disabilities. The decision also addressed hypertension and respiratory/pulmonary conditions but did not grant any of these claims.

The Veteran's claims for a higher initial rating for his lumbar spine disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an updated opinion regarding the severity of his service-connected disabilities and their collective impact on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status, as his total disability rating is due to TDIU from multiple conditions. He also does not qualify for SAH or SHA benefits.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, right and hip disabilities, and a compensable rating for his right fifth toe disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or other etiological factors.

The Veteran's left knee and thoracolumbar spine disabilities were evaluated, with the left knee receiving a 10% rating prior to January 2, 2015, and a 20% rating thereafter. The thoracolumbar spine disability received a 20% rating. Both conditions are not rated higher.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination and the need for an updated medical opinion regarding the Veteran's back and neck disabilities. The issues of service connection for these conditions are being remanded.