Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and an earlier effective date for service connection for diabetes. The Veteran's claim is based on new evidence that reopened his previously denied claims.

The Veteran's appeal was decided on multiple issues related to service connection, effective dates, and increased ratings for various disabilities. The claims were generally granted with some exceptions.

The Board has remanded this case for further development due to an outstanding request for a videoconference hearing by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant treatment records and arranging a spine examination to determine the current severity of his thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar and cervical spine conditions, as well as headaches, have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal prior to a decision.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a cardiovascular disability, based on herbicide exposure during the Vietnam Era, was denied as there is no evidence of such exposure. The Board found that his current cardiovascular disability did not manifest in service or within one year thereafter and there is no competent evidence linking it to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a medical examination regarding whether the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his service, including any pre-service injuries.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for an additional thoracolumbar spine disability is dismissed as the issue is moot due to existing service connection.

The Board has found that the Veteran's low back disorder is not related to his active service and denied the claim. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a personal hearing and the filing of a notice of disagreement on his right knee disability claim.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated as appropriate based on the severity of his symptoms. The Board finds that he is unemployable due to these disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and right wrist scar, as well as his claim for service connection for right wrist arthritis, were denied. The Veteran's right wrist arthritis claim was withdrawn prior to a final decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is causally related to his periods of active service, and therefore grants service connection for a low back disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disorder is not related to service and denied his claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. A new VA examination is also required to determine if the Veteran's back disability was incurred in service or related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board granted a higher 40 percent rating for the service-connected lumbar spine disability effective July 11, 2013.

The Board found that the Veteran had current DJD of the lumbar spine and continuous post-service symptoms, which constituted new and material evidence to reopen his claim. Service connection for this condition was granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records related to his low back disability, scheduling a VA spine examination, and considering referral for extraschedular evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any of his claimed disorders and there is no credible evidence to support his allegations regarding in-service injuries. As such, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for tinnitus, deviated nasal septum, low back disorder, and sleep apnea due to insufficient explanations in previous decisions. The Veteran is entitled to a new hearing on all four issues.