Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

Service connection is denied for bilateral hearing loss.,Service connection is granted for degenerative joint disease of the bilateral knees.

The Veteran's service-connected low back and cervical spine disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations, with no higher ratings granted due to the lack of evidence supporting more severe functional loss or incapacitating episodes.

The Board has decided the case needs further examination and review due to insufficient evidence, particularly regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic back disability, to include scoliosis, was denied as there is no medical evidence showing that the condition was incurred or aggravated during active duty service. The Board found that the current diagnosed back disorder is not related to his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that there is doubt in favor of the Veteran's assertions regarding his injuries during service.

The Veteran's appeal of his claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected lumbar spondylolisthesis has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's appeal of kidney cancer service connection was dismissed due to withdrawal. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were found to be incurred as a result of service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disability and granted it as secondary to service-connected knee disabilities. The Veteran's current back disability is proximately due to her bilateral knee arthritis.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is not related to his military service and denies service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for diplopia, but denied service connection for degenerative disc disease and skull fracture.

The Veteran's PTSD with insomnia and depressive disorder is granted a higher initial evaluation, but the issue of service connection for his low back disorder is granted as well.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to missing service treatment records and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her skin rash condition and chronic back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule a VA examination for his lumbar spine degenerative joint disease. The issue of entitlement to TDIU will be readjudicated after the increased rating claim is resolved.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and low back disability have resulted in a need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which has been granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's low back disability has been rated as 10 percent disabling, and his right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy have each been rated as 10 percent disabling. The appeal is granted for the right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new VA examination to assess the severity of his lumbar spine disability. He also needs to provide evidence linking his bilateral knee disabilities to service.

The Veteran is granted three annual clothing allowances for the year 2013 due to wear and tear on his upper body clothing caused by his neck brace, forearm crutches, and right knee brace.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative disc disease with low back pain is granted, but the issue of extraschedular TDIU rating remains pending as it is unclear if this appeal involves service connection.