Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed low back disorder is directly related to his military service and grants service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for asthma, lumbar spine disability, GERD with ulcer, deviated septum, and sinus disability. The evidence presented is sufficient to reopen these claims, but does not establish service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for a jaw disability and right shoulder disability. The new evidence received is considered material as it relates to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated as 10 percent disabling since the effective date of service connection. The Board has determined that a higher initial rating is warranted for both conditions, with an initial rating of 20 percent assigned.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's current low back disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to injuries sustained during active service. The issue of service connection for plantar fasciitis remains pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's chronic myelomonocytic leukemia is related to service and the Board finds service connection is warranted. The claims for right and left knee disabilities, as well as low back disability, are remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability did not have its onset during service and was not caused by service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and has determined that new and material evidence has been received. The Board also found that the Veteran's current diagnosis is due to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including new VA examinations to assess the severity of his degenerative disc disease and the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim of reopening his low back disability service connection is pending and he has requested a Board hearing. The case must be remanded to schedule the Veteran for such a hearing.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar back disability and lung condition, finding no competent evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any current residuals of his in-service injuries or conditions, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to active service. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 28, 2014. The Board has granted TDIU effective from that date.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to service, as evidenced by his military occupational specialty and the onset of symptoms shortly after service. Service connection for this condition is granted.,Service connection for right ankle strain is denied because there is no evidence linking it to active duty service.,Service connection for left knee strain is denied due to lack of evidence connecting it to service.,Service connection for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease is denied as the Veteran's current condition does not appear related to his military service.,Service connection for sleep apnea is granted because it is secondary to diabetes mellitus, a service-connected disability.,Service connection for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted as it is secondary to diabetes mellitus, a service-connected disability.,Service connection for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted due to its relationship with the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.,Service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted based on its relation to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,Service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted as it is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lower back disorder, as well as whether it is related to service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee and foot disabilities due to his withdrawal. The remaining claims have been evaluated, but no service connection is granted as there is insufficient evidence linking any current disability to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board found no evidence of a hip, cervical, or lumbar spine disability in service and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection as there was insufficient medical nexus to link any current disabilities to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and any associated neurologic condition(s).