Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, which is now considered on its merits.

The Veteran's left knee chondromalacia and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are found to be related to his service-connected right knee disability, warranting service connection on a secondary basis.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, as there is no medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service. The psychiatric claim was also denied due to lack of sufficient evidence.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability has been established. The Veteran's tinnitus is also service connected.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease was not productive of forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine prior to November 25, 2014. Therefore, his claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and attempting to verify the Veteran's reported motor vehicle accident in service. The Veteran will also be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service records and private treatment records, as well as providing a new VA examination. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated after all actions are completed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar strain, right knee tendonitis, left knee tendonitis, and PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain medical records, and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to assess her low back disorder and right hip bursitis with knee pain.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation as of June 18, 2001. The effective date for the TDIU award is fixed in accordance with the facts found.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and a digestive disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for lumbar spine arthritis and granted it on the merits.,The Board has also granted service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to service-connected lumbar spine arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbosacral spine disability and bilateral shin splints/stress fractures are not related to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his degenerative disease of the thoracolumbar spine with chronic low back pain is being remanded due to unclear reference to incapacitating episodes during the past 12 months.

The Veteran's appeals regarding hypothyroidism, Vitamin D and B-12 deficiencies, cracked teeth, a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right foot injury since August 4, 2011, and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia of the right knee since August 4, 2011 have been withdrawn. The appeal regarding service connection for a low back disorder has been granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted. The TDIU claim was also granted prior to February 6, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a lumbar injury is denied as there is no evidence that the current condition had its onset during an eligible period of service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left hip disability, and acquired psychiatric disability as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining workers' compensation and employment records, as well as new VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability had its onset in service and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of whether his psychiatric disorder is secondary to his service-connected low back disability remains pending.