Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for traumatic arthritis of the cervical and thoracic spine, both shoulders, and lumbosacral spine. The appeal seeking a TDIU rating is being remanded due to its interdependence with these grants.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected low back disability, and determining whether his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete opinions and need for additional medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back, hip, and leg disabilities are not service-connected as they are considered to be due to natural aging process or unrelated to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including residuals of a cerebral hemorrhage and low back disorder, are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing their onset in service or within one year of service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU was granted, with a 10 percent evaluation assigned for radiculopathy of the right thigh. The other issues were denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the appellant's claim for service connection for a low back and left leg disorder. This includes obtaining relevant medical records, ensuring proper examination reports are completed, and notifying the appellant of any necessary actions.

The Board has determined that a rating higher than 20 percent is warranted for the Veteran's lower back disability prior to February 3, 2012. Since then, a 40 percent rating is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations to address the current severity of his service-connected left ear hearing loss, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability. The Veteran also needs a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to various disabilities, and a remand is required for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral pes planus, and low back disorder are found to be related to service. However, the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral shin splints or hypertension.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to March 22, 2010. The appeal for increased ratings for other conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disability, including whether it is related to service exposure or a pre-existing condition. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board granted a 40 percent evaluation for low back strain since June 8, 2010. The Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep disability and increased evaluations for left ankle sprain were also granted.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is service-connected.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted due to herbicide exposure during service in Korea.,Chronic upper respiratory disorder (bronchial asthma) is not service-connected.,Depressive disorder secondary to service-connected bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is not service-connected.,Low back disorder is not service-connected.,Intestinal disorder is not service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance is being remanded due to the need to consider evidence of wear and tear to his clothing caused by service-connected disabilities or medication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma and low back disorder are related to her service, specifically her periods of active duty. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a procedural deficiency and needs to correct it by resending the August 2011 Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) to the Veteran's most recent known address.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records from the VA Colorado Springs Clinic and attempting to obtain the November 1989 X-ray film.