Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the Cervical Spine and Headaches, with headaches secondary to cervical spine DDD.,Service connection is granted for Degenerative Disc Disease of the Cervical Spine and Headaches, with headaches secondary to cervical spine DDD.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's current low back disorder and GERD were incurred in or otherwise the result of his active service. The claim for service connection for these conditions is therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination. The issues of service connection for back disability, cervical spine disability, and nerve disability of the right arm/hand are pending.

The Veteran's PTSD, bilateral hearing loss (prior to July 9, 2013), CAD, left calf scar and shell fragment wound residuals, left lower extremity lateral plantar sensory terminal latency, right thigh meralgia paresthetica, headache disability, and low back pain have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current degenerative arthritis and DDD of the lumbar spine are related to his military service, including his duties as a postal clerk. The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions had their onset in service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected bilateral knee, bilateral shoulder, and low back disabilities. The RO must also obtain all ongoing treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination for his lumbar spine and radiculopathy disabilities, as well as another rating decision on the TDIU claim. The overactive bladder condition may be service-connected based on its secondary relationship to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, and his cervical spine strain is rated at 20 percent prior to February 21, 2013. The left knee disability is rated at 10 percent since February 21, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, including low back disability, ED, hip disabilities, prostate disorder, inguinal hernia, headaches, hypertension, hoarseness, heart disease, and GERD. The decisions are based on secondary service connection due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional examinations and records, including VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for clarification of his income during the appeal period and further examination to determine workplace limitations.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disability as secondary to PTSD, and remanded the remaining issues due to need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current low back disability had onset during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The right shoulder issue remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and retrieval of missing records. The focus will be on assessing the severity, frequency, and duration of weather-related flare-ups experienced by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his lumbar spine disability was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was manifested by Level III hearing acuity in both ears, resulting in a noncompensable evaluation. The issue of service connection for a low back disorder is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision and is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, which include right knee disability, back disability, and other conditions. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and bilateral knee disabilities are related to his service, including combat injuries in Vietnam. As such, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The appeal is being remanded for additional development to address service connection claims, including a TDIU claim and issues related to PTSD. Medical opinions are needed regarding the etiology of low back, right ankle, and left wrist disorders.