Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran is seeking higher disability ratings for his service-connected mental health and musculoskeletal conditions. The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to assess the current severity of these disabilities, as well as obtaining any outstanding VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder is rated at 30 percent, the highest schedular rating available. His lumbar spondyloarthropathy status post L5 disc surgery is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Veteran's tinnitus is already assigned a maximum schedular rating of 10 percent. For his right ankle arthroplasty and left knee osteoarthritis, the current ratings are 20 percent for the right ankle and 10 percent each for the left knee. His right knee osteoarthritis is rated at 10 percent. The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and lumbar spine disability have been granted increased ratings, with the TDIU claim also being granted. The PTSD remains at a 50% rating, while the lumbar spine is rated at 40%. The effective date for these changes has not been specified.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is now rated at 20 percent, effective from August 2013. His left shoulder DJD has been granted service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disease of the lumbar spine (osteoarthritic changes), was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board concluded that a chronic low back disorder did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year from separation from service and that there is no relationship between the Veteran's current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neck, back, and headache disabilities are at least as likely as not related to her in-service motor vehicle accident. As such, service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disorder as secondary to his service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease. The claim for an initial compensable disability rating for erectile dysfunction is denied, and the issue of TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining updated medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, and a need for further examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lower back disability and a right elbow ligament strain, finding that there is no current evidence of these conditions in service or related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and sciatica (claimed as right hip disability) due to pending claims and potential additional evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his claims for other conditions. The effective dates assigned were December 20, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of his claims. The lumbar spine disability claim requires a VA examination to determine its etiology, while the rhinitis claim needs reevaluation as there may have been changes in symptoms since the last examination.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he does not have a right knee disorder and his service connection claim for the right knee disorder is granted on a new and material basis. The Veteran's left knee disorder, DDD of L5-S1, and folliculitis are each rated at their current levels.

The Board has determined that additional VA examination is necessary due to the inaccuracy of the medical history provided by the Veteran, and thus remands the case for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed stomach, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and back disorders are not service-connected as they do not have a direct link to his military service. The conditions were either diagnosed after service or attributed to other causes such as alcohol use.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete service records and a need for a VA examination.