Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and left knee osteoarthritis were denied as the evidence did not show that his symptoms resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees or a combined range of motion less than 120 degrees.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the case can be decided. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 40 percent from December 21, 1993 through March 12, 2012.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining Social Security records and arranging a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's low back disability is related to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected orthopedic disorders, including low back disorder, left ankle disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right shoulder disorder, and left elbow disorder are related to his active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee degenerative joint disease, and lumbosacral strain due to outstanding VA treatment records and potential SSA disability benefits records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for thoracic and lumbar spine disabilities. The evidence now shows that these conditions are related to his military service, including a fireman's carry incident during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and urinary incontinence were denied. The rating for DDD and IVDS was maintained at 40 percent, while the rating for urinary incontinence associated with back disability was granted a 40 percent rating effective from August 16, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to incomplete examinations and the need for additional medical guidance.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a chronic back disability during service or for many years thereafter, and the only competent, probative opinion to address whether there exists a medical relationship between chronic lumbar strain and degenerative changes of the spine first diagnosed in 2011 and the Veteran's service weighs against the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The remaining claims are dismissed due to withdrawal of appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and residuals of cold injuries to the upper and lower extremities, as well as service connection for sciatic neuritis. The claim for low back injury was not addressed due to pending development.

The Veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure during his Vietnam Era service. The Board finds that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while stationed at U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand, and thus he meets the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated during service and is not otherwise related to service. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD with depression and anxiety is addressed in a separate REMAND.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, PTSD, headaches, hypertension, and an enlarged prostate were denied. The Board found that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim for a back disorder. Service connection was also denied for hypertension and an enlarged prostate as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. No claims have been decided.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations for his left foot disability and low back disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in evaluation beyond the current ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to address the nature and extent of his service-connected lumbar spine disability and whether any left leg radiculopathy is related to his service-connected condition or active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment beginning in October 1996, and the Board has granted an effective date of October 7, 1996 for TDIU.