Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea has been reopened, and it is at least as likely as not that his obstructive sleep apnea began during active military service. The Veteran's PTSD and tension headaches are rated based on their impact on daily life.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate and remands the case for a new examination to address whether the Veteran's low back and hip disabilities are caused or aggravated by his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, including degenerative disc disease at L5-S1, intervertebral osteochondrosis with spondylosis deformans at L5-S1, and protrusion at L4-5, is causally related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling addendum opinions from a VA examiner, and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any hip disability is related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran died in July 2010 due to esophageal cancer. The VA determined that his service-connected post-gastrectomy syndrome and hiatal hernia did not cause or contribute to his death, as the cause of his cancer was linked to smoking and male gender rather than any service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back condition and bilateral ankle disorder are related to his service-connected pes planus, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for left thumb MCP joint and scaphoid osteoarthritis, right wrist osteoarthritis, low back strain, and right ear hearing loss have been denied. The current evaluations are found to be appropriate.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found no basis to grant higher ratings or establish service connection based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right shoulder osteoarthritis and earlier effective dates for service connection were granted. The effective date for the grant of service connection was set at June 27, 2007, while the effective date for the increased rating remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's inability to attend a scheduled Travel Board hearing. The appeal is being returned for scheduling a new hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's low back disorder is currently rated at 20 percent, effective October 15, 2010. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted as the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, nor ankylosis of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining more recent treatment records and providing an appropriate VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with anhedonia has been granted a uniform rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of claim.,Service connection for bilateral pes plans and mechanical low back strain prior to October 23, 2012 have not been granted. The Veteran is entitled to a compensable evaluation for mechanical low back strain since October 23, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VCAA notice.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability and bilateral hand disability are caused by his service-connected non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, resulting in a grant of service connection for these disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions were not incurred in or related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination for the Veteran's right knee disability. The issues of service connection for back disability and TDIU remain on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back, left knee, and right knee disorders are related to his military service.