Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for chronic depression, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine prior to October 23, 2002, or degenerative arthritis of the left knee prior to October 6, 1999.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge. The claims related to the initial rating, effective date, and TDIU are pending.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating or entitlement to TDIU.

The Board found that the appellant's cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities did not manifest during service or within one year thereafter, and are not related to his active service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's low back disorder is caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hip and lumbar spine disabilities are not related to service, nor is his hearing loss disability compensable.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and further examination is required. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are being evaluated for their impact on his need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for compensation for gynecomastia, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar degenerative disc disease, and a separate 10 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy effective November 27, 2006 were denied. The claim for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities was granted with an effective date of June 18, 1983. The claims for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for left and right knee disabilities were also denied.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current low back and knee conditions and his active duty service.,The Board also found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current kidney condition and his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of her service-connected lumbar spine and left ankle disabilities. The AOJ will also consider whether a temporary total rating is warranted due to her March 2015 surgery.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including depression with possible psychotic features and bipolar disorder, is service-connected as a result of aggravation during his period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA). The Board finds that the Veteran has met his burden to establish service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder strain was granted an increased rating of 20 percent effective January 15, 2013. The claim for earlier effective date is denied as the increase in disability occurred more than one year prior to the date of claim.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any low back disorder, including whether it is related to service. The Veteran's lay statements indicate her symptoms began during service following a lumbar puncture procedure.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, and the Board is dismissing the case as a result.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a new VA examination and medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's low back disorder is proximately due or permanently worsened by his service-connected right and/or left knee disabilities. The appeal will be returned to the AOJ after this development.

The Board has remanded the claim for further evidentiary development, including a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's back disability and its impact on his functional ability during flare-ups.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a Social and Industrial Survey to determine if his service-connected conditions preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The TDIU claim will be considered in conjunction with the increased rating claims.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic bronchitis was denied due to lack of a chronic residual respiratory disorder. The claims for acquired psychiatric disorders, low back disorder, and deafness in the right ear were also denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, including Social Security Administration (SSA) records. He will also be afforded VA examinations for his low back and left hip conditions. Additionally, a new VA opinion will be obtained regarding the 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 issue.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar facet arthritis and multiple myeloma, to include as due to Agent Orange exposure. The VA is directed to obtain relevant medical records from the Research Medical Center between 1982 and 2001.