Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as the evidence did not show that his service-connected conditions had worsened since the last examination.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spondylosis with sciatica and right hip degenerative joint disease as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right foot disability.,However, the claim for service connection for right knee degenerative joint disease remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for an increased rating of 40 percent for his low back disability, and the Board has dismissed this issue as a result.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability to include PTSD and a low back disability cannot be granted as there is no credible evidence of an in-service stressor, and his current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's disability ratings for herniated nucleus pulposus, L4-L5, with lumbosacral strain and degenerative changes are found to be appropriate under the schedular criteria. The Board has determined that referral for extraschedular consideration is not warranted.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to address the nature and etiology of any current back disorder found to be present, including whether it is at least as likely as not attributable to the Veteran's time on active duty.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disorder is not related to his military service and has denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, but without specifying its relevance or impact on the claim.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for pension or special monthly pension benefits due to his unemployability and lack of permanent total disability.

The Veteran's left ankle disability was initially rated at 10 percent prior to June 16, 2010. As of that date, the disability is now rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent for the period from March 1, 2006 to March 3, 2006. The temporary total rating based on convalescence following surgery is granted.

The Board has ordered additional development to address whether the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability caused or aggravated his diagnosed lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss warrants a 20 percent rating. The claim for increased tinnitus was withdrawn by the Veteran prior to decision. Service connection for low back disability, headaches, knee disabilities, hypertension, and shoulder disabilities have been established based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection claims for low back and right leg disorders, including obtaining missing STRs and post-service medical records.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU. The RO has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability effective October 18, 2012.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for low back disability, hearing loss disability, and lung disability. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical strain and left side radiculopathy caused by cervical strain are also under review.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spine, cervical spine, bilateral knee, and bilateral shoulder conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and left leg conditions had their onset during service, and he currently suffers from these conditions. Therefore, the claims for service connection are granted.