Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been manifested by subjective complaints of neck pain with objective findings of forward flexion to 40 degrees, which is considered slight limited motion. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to his in-service fall, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The right thigh numbness is also found to be secondary to his lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and found that the Veteran does not have any residuals of TBI. The claims for service connection for headaches, impairment of concentration and memory remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional treatment records and providing a supplemental opinion regarding the aggravation of hypertension by his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing due to their impact on his ability to walk and use assistive devices.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his service-connected right knee condition, and thus grants service connection for this condition.,While the gastrointestinal disorder (excluding duodenal ulcer) was not shown during service or within one year thereafter, it is considered secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee condition.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and discussion of functional loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inconsistencies in the examination opinions and the need for updated VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that an additional remand is necessary due to the need for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims file, including obtaining addendum opinions from appropriate medical professionals.

The Board denied service connection for tonsil, thyroid, neck, low back, and bilateral knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or the in-service events. The Veteran's current disorders are considered age-related and unrelated to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death, and therefore, he cannot be granted service connection for the cause of his death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, considering the impairment from the disorders and his educational and employment background.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected DJD of the lumbar spine warrants a 20 percent rating, but not higher. Separate ratings for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities are granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate etiological opinions in the VA examination reports and for a new examination.

The Board has determined that there is no current disability related to service for the claimed right elbow disorder. The Veteran's statements regarding his right elbow injury are not supported by medical evidence and thus do not establish a current disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his period of service and, therefore, denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine and right ankle disability, as well as his increased ratings for PTSD, right ankle disability, seizure disorder, and TBI were denied. The effective date for the award of a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) was not earlier than April 29, 2002.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from the Missouri Department of Corrections and Worker's Compensation claims. The Veteran will also undergo a VA orthopedic examination to determine if his current low back disability is related to injury or disease during service.

The Board has assigned a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy of the left lower extremity effective August 5, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability and granted compensation pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for an allergic reaction to the pneumonia vaccine administered during VA treatment.,Service connection was not established for the bilateral knee disability, as there is no evidence of any injury or chronic condition in service.