Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder is not etiologically related to his active military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to an increased rating for a low back disability and entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The RO should issue a supplemental statement of the case with regard to these issues.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed shoulder, low back, ankle, and hip disabilities. The decision also addressed hypertension and respiratory/pulmonary conditions but did not grant any of these claims.

The Veteran's claims for a higher initial rating for his lumbar spine disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an updated opinion regarding the severity of his service-connected disabilities and their collective impact on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status, as his total disability rating is due to TDIU from multiple conditions. He also does not qualify for SAH or SHA benefits.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, right and hip disabilities, and a compensable rating for his right fifth toe disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or other etiological factors.

The Veteran's left knee and thoracolumbar spine disabilities were evaluated, with the left knee receiving a 10% rating prior to January 2, 2015, and a 20% rating thereafter. The thoracolumbar spine disability received a 20% rating. Both conditions are not rated higher.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination and the need for an updated medical opinion regarding the Veteran's back and neck disabilities. The issues of service connection for these conditions are being remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a separate vision disorder and denied his claim for service connection. For his lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, the Board concluded there is no evidence of chronicity in service or within one year after discharge, and it was less likely than not caused by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, sleep apnea, and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, are found to be so severe that they prevent him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, and residuals of a fracture of the pelvis with degenerative joint disease left hip, precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and work background since June 21, 2012.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's current conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are etiologically related to service, with no clear evidence of pre-service onset or other causes. The claims for hip disorders have not been substantiated.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings based on the evidence of record.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to inconsistencies in the March 2010 VA examination report and a need for an appropriate VA examination of the Veteran's lumbar spine.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen her claim for service connection for low back and neck disabilities, finding that new evidence supports a reopening of the claim. The Board also found in favor of the Veteran on the merits of her claim, granting service connection for degenerative joint and disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability is being remanded due to the need for a new, comprehensive VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for multilevel lumbar disc degeneration and an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.