Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and requests clarification on whether a videoconference or Travel Board hearing is desired.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not cause him to be unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and opinions are necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and left knee chondrocalcinosis, as these conditions may be related to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's cervical neck strain and mixed tension and migraine headaches have been granted higher disability ratings, while the status post lumbar strain remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including adjustment disorder with depressed mood, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right ankle sprain residuals, left foot fracture residuals, tinnitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU on a schedular basis.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his active service and grants entitlement to service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to service exposure. Service connection for PTSD, COPD, and a lumbar spine disability are granted. The claim for an equilibrium disorder was not supported by the evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his sleep apnea, TMJ, and lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for the service-connected lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative disc disease and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were granted, but only at a 10 percent rating from July 1, 2010. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant higher ratings during this initial period.

The Veteran's low back disorder is rated at 40 percent since January 27, 2014. The radiculopathy of the right lower extremity secondary to his service-connected low back disorder has also been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing. The issues of reopening service connection for a left knee disability, entitlement to service connection for a back disorder, and entitlement to service connection for hypertension are pending.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee meniscus tear with arthritis, finding that the Veteran's right knee disorder caused his left knee disability. Service connection was denied for a lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need to verify whether the Veteran was on Active Duty Training (ACDUTRA) in November 2008, and to obtain an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the relationship between the Veteran's low back disability and his active duty service.

The Board found no evidence that the Veteran's low back disorder was incurred in or aggravated by service, and concluded that it is not related to his service-connected pes planus. The claim for service connection was therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current sleep apnea, heart disorder, flat feet, back disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, left hip disorder, and right hip disorder are not attributable to service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, including for a new VA examination regarding arthritis other than rheumatoid arthritis. The Veteran's upper back disorder and arthritis claims are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and seeking an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's low back condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral disc disease and cervical myelopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for generalized joint pain, including as due to an undiagnosed illness or other qualifying chronic disability pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. � 1117 is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a new examination to assess the Veteran's cervical spine disability.