Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine as secondary to a service-connected knee disability. Service connection was denied for hypertension and prostate disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and development needs, including obtaining VA treatment records, private medical records from Dr. G.C., Dr. T.S., and a chiropractor, and an orthopedic opinion.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, an acquired psychiatric disorder, a low back disorder, and a bilateral hip disorder. The Veteran did not provide evidence of current disabilities or in-service injuries or diseases that would support these claims.,There is no medical evidence linking any of the claimed conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for headaches, right knee disability, left knee disability, back condition, sciatica/radiculopathy of right lower extremity, and sciatica/radiculopathy of left lower extremity due to incomplete records and need for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, as a result of exposure to herbicides. The effective date is July 7, 2016.,Service connection was denied for neck disorder, low back disorder, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, hernia, thyroid disorder, and headaches.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot, upper/lower back, right knee, and left knee disorders due to a lack of evidence showing aggravation during service or a current disability related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma. The cases of lumbar spine disorder, left knee disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and Depression) are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's right arm and/or elbow disorder is denied as there is no current diagnosis.,Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine was properly severed from June 30, 2014 due to a post-service injury.,Right upper extremity radiculopathy associated with degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine was properly severed from June 30, 2014 as it is secondary to a pre-existing condition.,Left upper extremity radiculopathy associated with degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine was properly severed from June 30, 2014 due to a post-service injury.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with intervertebral disc syndrome of the thoracolumbar spine was properly severed from June 30, 2014 as it is secondary to a pre-existing condition.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with intervertebral disc syndrome of the thoracolumbar spine was properly severed from June 30, 2014 due to a post-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person is granted. The effective date for TDIU is remanded due to incomplete information regarding SSA disability benefits.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus. The cases of lumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, and asbestosis are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were granted, but the rating for metatarsalgia of the right foot was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for an increased rating for DJD of the right foot was also denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, NOS is granted as service-connected.,Effective February 19, 2010, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear etiology of the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder, which is related to in-service complaints for back problems and credible testimony of an in-service injury from being struck by a moving vehicle. The decision also mentions that VA obtained a medical opinion but failed to consider additional lay evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for clothing allowances for his back brace and bilateral knee braces is denied because the evidence does not show that these appliances wear and tear his clothing.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine and lumbar spine disorders, but the right shoulder disorder claim is remanded due to lack of VA treatment records.

The Board has reopened your claim for a low back disability and granted service connection, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding the relationship between your current condition and your military service.

The Veteran's claim for higher evaluations and effective dates for service connection of various conditions was granted. The issues related to bilateral hearing loss, benign prostatic hypertrophy, lumbosacral strain, migraine headaches, and mood disorder NOS were addressed.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar spine, left foot, right foot, and left ankle disabilities due to service connection. The Veteran's exposure to burn pits is also in question.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The claims for Hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder due to incomplete notice provided.