Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the earliest time permitted.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection and an initial compensable disability evaluation for the issues listed, including bilateral hearing loss. The appeal is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including private treatment records from her most recent period of active duty service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine are related to his service-connected lumbar spondylosis with low grade multilevel lumbar degenerative retrolisthesis L5-S1 and right L4-5 neural foraminal stenosis.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine degenerative disk disease is granted, with a current evaluation of 10 percent.

The Veteran's neck disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine its etiology. His low back disability is also being remanded for an updated rating and his TDIU claim remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his service, while the cervical spine disability is not shown to have been incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board finds that the reduction of the Veteran's disability ratings for degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine and tender scarring, abdomen from inguinal hernia repair was proper as there was improvement in both conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) with degenerative disc disease was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, as there were no findings of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc disease during the appeal period.

The Veteran's right shoulder disorder, including DJD and AVN, is not service-connected.,Prior to October 6, 2010, the Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine was rated at 10 percent. After this date, a higher rating is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is not related to his in-service assault and denied service connection for residuals of a lumbar spine injury.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD and associated benefits were granted effective July 21, 2001.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU prior to January 17, 2013 due to service-connected dysthymic disorder and other disabilities that rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The case will be remanded to allow for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the agency of original jurisdiction for additional development regarding his lumbosacral disability claim.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claimed conditions do not meet the criteria for service connection as they are unable to establish an in-service event, injury, or disease. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, and he is currently rated at 30 percent for PTSD with adjustment disorder. The initial compensable rating of 10 percent for hemorrhoids has been granted. Service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and pulmonary disorder due to asbestos exposure have also been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's disabilities did not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for Aid and Attendance of another person (A&A) or being housebound.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of service connection for low back disorder, cervical spine disorder, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to a service-connected disability are inextricably intertwined with these matters.

The Board is remanding the claim for further development to address whether the Veteran's low back disorder is aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, and to obtain additional medical opinions.