Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board found that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine prior to December 5, 2012 was granted. However, he is not entitled to a higher rating after that date. His bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as compensable.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Veteran's right knee disorder, to include osteoarthritis, was found to be incurred in service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and thoracic DDD, as well as a skin disorder. The Veteran's current diagnoses of cervical and thoracic DDD are supported by medical records, including VA examinations and x-rays from his military service. The Board finds that these conditions are etiologically related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a cervical/thoracic spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The right shoulder and right ankle disabilities remain pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current low back and neck disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the appellant's request for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection for various disabilities remain pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the increased rating for his back disability.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection of a back disability, to include as secondary to bilateral knee disabilities. The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been assigned separate ratings under various diagnostic codes.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional medical evidence and examination regarding the Veteran's skin disability and back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service records and VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient examination reports and incomplete medical history review.

The Board has determined that there is no direct service connection for the Veteran's right and left knee conditions, as well as his back condition. The claims for fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, and migraine headaches have also been denied. However, new evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbosacral spine.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for diabetes mellitus, type 2; depression; and REM sleep behavior disorder.

The Veteran's low back disability was evaluated at a 20 percent rating prior to July 25, 2006. The claim for an increased evaluation is denied.

The case is being remanded for a new VA opinion to assess the impact of the Veteran's service-connected thoracic/lumbar spine disability on his employability, considering both disabilities as one. The claim will be readjudicated after obtaining this opinion.

The Veteran's total and permanent disability rating due to service-connected disabilities, including his chronic cardiac disability affecting balance or propulsion, meets the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the left sciatic nerve were denied as there is no evidence of intervertebral disc syndrome or ankylosis, which would warrant higher ratings under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, while his knee, hip, low back, and cervical spine disorders are related to service. The Veteran's claims for these conditions were denied.