Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Board has decided the appeal is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and because both issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Board found no evidence of tinnitus or a low back disorder having onset during active service and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining inpatient records from NAS Fallon and private treatment records. The appellant's service connection claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied due to his Reserve service, and the Board has ordered additional records to be obtained. The Veteran also needs VA examinations for his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic chest pains and right knee disability, as well as his requests for increased initial ratings. The Veteran was granted a compensable rating (20%) for his right knee disability under Diagnostic Code 5258.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development and is not yet able to determine if service connection should be granted or denied for the claimed conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, right shoulder disorder, and right wrist disorder. The appeals on cervical spine, left shoulder, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot disorders have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's bilateral sacroiliac joint dysfunction is found to be the result of his service-connected iliotibial band syndrome, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The low back disability (claimed as 'back pain') is not addressed in detail due to a separate issue being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's service connection claims, including a new VA examination to address the relationship between his diagnosed neck and back disabilities and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability did not have its onset during service and is not otherwise related to active military service.

The Board denied service connection for low back spasms as secondary to service-connected patellofemoral pain syndrome of the knees, finding that there was no evidence linking the current condition to active military service or to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's back brace for his service-connected low back disability results in wear and tear to his clothing, warranting a clothing allowance for 2014. However, the knee braces are not prescribed for any service-connected disability, nor is there evidence of skin conditions due to service-connected disabilities that would qualify for a clothing allowance.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated at 10 percent since July 29, 2009. The Board finds that the current rating of 10 percent is appropriate given the evidence showing flexion to 70 degrees and a combined range of motion not greater than 180 degrees.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hip disability and entitlement to TDIU, which constitutes a complete grant of the Veteran's claims. The issues of increased rating for back disability, initial rating in excess of 10 percent for TMJ syndrome, and service connection for left shoulder and left knee disabilities are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and adjudicative action. The claims include a request for an increased rating for duodenal ulcer, service connection for hiatal hernia secondary to PTSD, and service connection for a low back disorder.

The Veteran's low back disorder, specifically lumbosacral degenerative disc disease, is found to have originated during his period of active military service. The left knee disability is also found to be related to the Veteran's service-connected right knee patellofemoral syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled Board hearing. The case will be processed again with the scheduling of a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back and cervical spine disorders are aggravated by his period of active duty service in Iraq. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and found that the Veteran does not have PTSD. The remaining claims to service connection are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and its associated complications, as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and/or PTSD), have not been found to be related to service or exposure to herbicides.