Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of entitlement to increased ratings and service connection.,The Veteran also withdrew his appeals for the issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for IBS and GERD, chronic fatigue syndrome, allergic skin reaction, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, migraines, respiratory disability, nerve entrapment (left elbow), and radiating pain to the left wrist (ulnar entrapment).

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary for the Veteran's pes planus and lumbar spine arthritis claims due to conflicting opinions in the medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbosacral strain and sciatica. The issues on appeal are related to increased evaluations for these conditions.

The case is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disabilities, scoliosis, and any other thoracolumbar disability found (other than osteoarthrosis).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is not related to his service or any service-connected disabilities. The effective dates for the grants of service connection for right leg and right ankle disabilities, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder), are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional development including new VA examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's hip and back disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, and denied claims for service connection.,The Veteran's hearing loss disability was rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's low back disability is manifested by forward flexion greater than 30 degrees, but ankylosis of the entire lumbar spine has not been shown. The claim for a higher initial rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is denied.

The Board denied the Appellant's claims for service connection for a skin condition and lower back condition, finding no new and material evidence to reopen these claims. The claim for residuals of a tail bone injury was also denied as there is insufficient evidence linking any current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes, IVDS L3-4, discogenic disease L5-S1, and erectile dysfunction is rated at 20 percent prior to September 9, 2010.

The Veteran's cervical strain and lumbar strain with DJD have been granted an increased rating to 20 percent each after June 2, 2008. The radiculopathy of the right lower extremity has not met criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's low back disability is presumed to have been incurred during active duty service. The Veteran has refractive error of the eyes which is not a disease or injury for VA compensation purposes. Service connection for PTSD is granted, with an initial rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted effective April 29, 2008, as the evidence shows he was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed back disabilities and manifestations are not related to service, as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease. The claim for memory loss due to an undiagnosed illness was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are attributable to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being associated with the claims file, and a videoconference hearing is scheduled for the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining clarification on his diagnoses and opinions regarding service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year after discharge. The Board also found that the current low back disability is not related to service-connected right knee and ankle disabilities.