Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the lack of identification of an available VA medical facility for his service-connected bronchial asthma and other conditions. The case will be readjudicated based on this information.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine and lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated based on their current manifestations, with no higher initial ratings granted.

The Board granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and TDIU, but denied an earlier effective date and a compensable rating. The Veteran's combined disability rating was 70% prior to November 17, 2003.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability, identified as lumbar spine DDD and DJD with stenotic changes. The decision resolves all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a neck disability, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, low back disability, or bilateral knee disability that is related to her active military service.,VA examinations confirmed diagnoses of DDD and DJD in the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and knees. The VA examiners concluded that these disabilities are less likely than not incurred during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease and to determine any functional limitations due to pain or medication.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of his current disability levels.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability and major depression, finding no new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen his previously denied claim. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence to establish a direct relationship between the Veteran's depression and active service.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, tinnitus, fibromyalgia, and bilateral knee arthritis. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing direct service connection or any other valid theory of entitlement.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability (other than dyshidrosis) was not incurred or aggravated during his period of service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's DJD of the lumbar spine was caused by his service-connected bilateral pes cavus, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, including numbness in the arms and legs, finding that his current condition did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is found to be the primary cause of his chronic atypical headaches, and thus service connection for such is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the service connection claims for various disabilities, including hearing loss and heart condition, all claimed as secondary to mercury poisoning.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's knee and back disorders are being remanded for further examination and development. The Board will consider the merits of his claims after obtaining necessary records.

The Board has granted service connection for low back and left hip disabilities, awarded a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis, and found that he is entitled to TDIU prior to March 28, 2013.

The Veteran's service connection for DDD of the lumbar spine was granted, with a rating of 40 percent effective December 14, 2006. The case is remanded to determine if additional issues should be addressed.