Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar disability is dismissed. The Board also granted a TDIU on a schedular basis as of April 21, 2016, and remanded the issue of extraschedular TDIU prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease, low back and a compensable rating prior to April 26, 2017 for left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran is required to provide updated medical records and undergo VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including left elbow disability, allergic rhinitis, cervical spine disability, low back disability, right foot disability, right ankle disability, hemorrhoids, and right hand scaring. The claims are being remanded to provide further examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The AOJ will review this additional evidence and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and lumbar spondylosis are remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The claim for service connection for an eye disorder remains denied as new evidence does not relate a current condition to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claim is now remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome remains denied as there is no current diagnosis of this condition, and it is considered a symptom of her service-connected psychiatric disabilities.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracolumbar strain and bronchitis are both remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their relationship to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding insufficient evidence to support its onset in service or any relationship to service.

An effective date of February 16, 2010 is granted for the grant of TDIU.,An effective date of February 16, 2010 is granted for the grant of DEA benefits.,A disability rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain is denied.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a disability of the lumbosacral spine due to insufficient medical opinions and consideration of lay evidence.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to service or any in-service injury. The Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were granted, with effective dates of October 1, 2010. The issues are related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any back disorder and hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for low back, left foot, right foot, left knee, and right knee disabilities were denied. The claim for PTSD was granted with an initial rating of 70 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine disorder and associated neurological disabilities due to incomplete medical opinions and potential incurrent causes from post-military motor vehicle accidents.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating as they require additional development, including obtaining medical examinations.

The Veteran's back brace and right knee brace claims for clothing allowances have been denied. The right knee brace claim is remanded due to lack of evidence regarding its tendency to cause wear and tear on the Veteran's clothing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and maintaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his lumbar spine condition has been dismissed as he withdrew the appeal in September 2018.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck disability, back disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, left foot disability, right foot disability, skin disability (rash on lower extremities), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. However, further development is needed as VA examinations are required to determine the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Board found no credible evidence linking the Veteran's back disability to service, and denied his claim for service connection.