Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right shoulder sprain with osteoarthritis and degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records, providing a new VA examination, and considering all evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and development of his claims, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his thoracolumbar spine disorder and related radiculopathy. Additionally, private medical records are requested.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the claims of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for service-connected status post lumbosacral fusion for herniated lumbar disc and for entitlement to service connection for peripheral arterial disease (claimed as vascular disease), right leg.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of his periods of active duty and VA examination regarding his low back disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back disability and right foot disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for DDD of the lumbar spine was dismissed. The claims for service connection for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD were also dismissed. Service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for lumbar spine, right hip, and left hip disabilities. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's attempts to reopen his claims for service connection for various conditions, including low back pain with right leg symptoms, left leg disorder, shoulder disorder, bronchitis, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, numbness of the right index finger, and a right arm disorder. The decision is final as no new and material evidence was received within one year of the previous denial.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board found no evidence of a back disability in service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as a disability manifested by memory loss and weight gain. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for chemical burn residuals, coronary artery disease, and hypertension as new and material evidence was not received. The low back disability, neck disability, arthritis of the legs, right hand arthritis, elbow disability, high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, left ear sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, stomach problems, and sinus problems were denied due to lack of in-service event, injury, or disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a chronic low back disability, but she does have a current diagnosis of DJD in both knees. Service connection is granted for DJD of both knees.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and considering extraschedular considerations.

The Board denied service connection for insomnia, low back disability, and pseudofolliculitis barbae. The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was granted a rating of 10 percent effective June 2, 2016.

The Veteran is granted a 50 percent rating for depressive disorder, and the low back disability is rated at 40 percent prior to July 25, 2016, with no higher. The right knee and left ankle disabilities are each rated at 10 percent, while the right shoulder and cervical spine disabilities are also rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and considering the Veteran's claims in light of his claimed sarcoidosis.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings and service connection, with the majority of issues related to his bilateral hearing loss, rhinitis, right knee disability, back disability, and left knee disability. The case is being remanded due to new evidence received since the last supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the etiology of his cervical spine disability and reassess the severity of his service-connected lumbosacral strain disability. The issue of TDIU is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.