Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for psuedophakia status post cataract surgery (left eye condition) was reopened and granted. The Board found that the evidence presented a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.,Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss and back disorder as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and a left knee disability, finding that there is no nexus between any claimed in-service events and the current disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal was granted for service connection of PTSD with depression. Other claims were not resolved in his favor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability is related to her active military service and grants her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease and lumbar spondylosis, was incurred in service.

The Veteran's right ankle sprain and thoracolumbar spine disability are currently rated at 10 percent each. The Board found no evidence of higher ratings based on the current functional limitations.

The Board has determined that there is no medical evidence linking the Veteran's current low back disorder to his military service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and review of Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The issues include seeking an increased evaluation for his lumbar spine disability and entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine was granted an initial rating of 10 percent prior to July 20, 2011 and a rating of 40 percent from that date. The residuals of his T-12 fracture were also granted an initial compensable evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and issues related to missing service treatment records. The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple disabilities are pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and records. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder, including scoliosis, is being evaluated in relation to its possible preexistence and aggravation during service.

TDIU granted for the period prior to June 15, 2009.,TDIU granted for the period starting October 1, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to September 25, 2012 prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

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The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an additional VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's lower back disability, as it relates to service. The claim will be returned for further review.

The Veteran's service-connected Major Depression and Lumbosacral Strain with Spondylolysis have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and asking the Veteran to identify any outstanding evidence. The appeal will be further reviewed after these actions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and a back disability, finding that the evidence does not support a nexus to service. The claim for TDIU was also denied as there is no evidence of unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral degenerative arthritis and impingement of the shoulders are at least as likely as not caused by an in-service fall.,For his back disability, a VA clinician is requested to provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not related to service. The opinion should address whether any diagnosed condition is congenital or acquired.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, as well as his claim for a TBI rating in excess of 30 percent. The Board found that there was no evidence showing chronicity or continuity of symptoms since service, and the medical opinions were against a finding that the current conditions are related to service.