Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple conditions and issues. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of frostbite, chest pain, right arm disorder, left wrist disorder, right shoulder disorder, left elbow disorder, or right foot disorder. The back disorder claim was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's low back disorder is related to his military service. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 10 percent prior to June 6, 2006 and is now rated at 20 percent from June 6, 2006 forward.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine did not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, as it was productive of pain and limited motion; neither ankylosis nor forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less was demonstrated.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder and denied it. The Veteran was granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, but this is considered secondary to his service-connected nasal obstruction.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for scheduling a hearing at the St. Petersburg, Florida RO.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, low back disability and sinusitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected degenerative disc disease lumbar spine, L5-S1. The Veteran asserts entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his back disability, finding that there was insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection must be remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment, and a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disorders is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service records and further examination is needed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder and circulatory system disorder, but further development is needed before a final decision can be made.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the claims. The Board found that there was no evidence of a lumbar spine injury during service, and the RO denied service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and opinions to address the etiology of his claimed conditions, including whether they are due to an undiagnosed illness or unexplained multisymptom illness related to his service in the Persian Gulf.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than April 2, 2012, for the grant of service connection for PTSD is granted. The Veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine with chronic muscular strain has been manifested by moderate limitation of motion; spams and tenderness on palpation of the lumbar spine; no guarding; and no evidence of IDS or other neurological impairment. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent have not been met.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with bulging and herniated discs, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder is related to his active duty service and grants service connection for a low back disorder.