Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise on whether the appellant's currently manifested lumbar spine disorder, L4-5 disc herniation and lumbar spondylosis, is related to his active duty service. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated at 20 percent since February 1, 2011. Prior to this date, the claim was not adjudicated as it pertained to a different rating period.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain a supplemental medical opinion regarding the Veteran's low back and bilateral knee disorders.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, and his phobic reaction to flying with PTSD has been rated as 50 percent from May 22, 2009 to April 17, 2013, and 70 percent thereafter. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder, and therefore service connection for such is denied. The claim for service connection of a back disability was remanded but remains pending.

For the period of the appeal, the criteria for the assignment of an initial rating of 50 percent for service-connected lumbosacral spine fusion with internal fixation disability have been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's thoracolumbar strain and degenerative disc disease did not meet or approximate criteria for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent prior to June 19, 2012, and in excess of 60 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for a new VA medical opinion regarding the potential relationship between the Veteran's current bilateral knee disabilities and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the lower back pain, cervical spine condition, and hypertension claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to allegations of worsening symptoms and a need for updated VA examination records. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability is pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a low back disability. The claims of service connection for sleep apnea, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, and peripheral neuropathy have been denied as not supported by evidence showing direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records review, including from VA facilities in Jackson and Houston.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining relevant medical records and conducting a social and industrial survey.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a back disability and granted it, finding that there is sufficient evidence to support the claim as secondary to his left foot and ankle disability.

The Veteran's low back disability is found to be causally related to service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The hearing loss, tinnitus, left leg neuritis, and bilateral hip arthritis claims are pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a Travel Board hearing due to the Veteran's request. The issues on appeal include service connection claims and a reopening of a previous claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his low back disability is denied as the evidence does not show that he meets or nearly meets the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The Board also found conflicting statements from the Veteran regarding his current symptoms.

The Veteran has withdrawn their appeal for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional medical examination and development of his claims, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling him for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any current hearing loss, tinnitus, low back disability, and residuals of hernia removal.