Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claims for a back condition, tinnitus, hypertension, sleep apnea, and bilateral hearing loss. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased rating of lumbar spine disability, bilateral knee disorder, sinus disorder, allergic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder due to incomplete records from Moody Air Force Base. The Veteran is also requested to undergo a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee disorders, finding that the Veteran's current bilateral knee DJD is as likely as not attributable to in-service occurrences.,Service connection for lumbar spine disorder was denied due to lack of evidence linking it to an in-service occurrence.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative arthritis of the cervical and lumbar spine are granted as his symptoms were present in service and have continued since then.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorders and whether he had a preexisting condition prior to service.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations and extraschedular considerations for various service-connected disabilities is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of the record.

The Veteran's initial claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine disability was denied. The current assigned rating is maintained.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for dental treatment purposes and low back disability, but has remanded both issues due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical records and undergo VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy, but the issues of higher evaluations and TDIU are remanded due to need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for DJD of the lumbar spine is granted. Claims for other conditions are denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's back and knee disabilities are related to his military service. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's lumbar spine, left hip and right hip osteopenia cases are being remanded for additional examinations to determine the current symptomatology of his disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims due to inadequate previous VA examinations for the Veteran's lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities. The Veteran is required to provide new evidence of his disability.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a TDIU rating. The AOJ should request any outstanding medical records and lay statements from the Veteran to support his claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to comply with previous remand directives.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck disability and a higher initial rating for bilateral pes planus, hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, and calcaneal spurs due to outstanding VA treatment records and additional relevant evidence.

The Veteran's attorney withdrew the appeal of service connection for hypertension, hearing loss, and initial ratings for bipolar II disorder with psychotic features and PTSD, spinal stenosis at L4-5, lumbar radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremity, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's disability rating for lumbar sprain/strain with DDD was granted at a 20 percent level, effective January 17, 2012. The claim for left ankle sprain/strain with chronic DJD is denied. TDIU remains denied.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for low back, right knee, and right hip conditions as secondary to a service-connected right toe bunionectomy. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its intertwinement with the pending service connection claims.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of chronic fatigue syndrome is granted. Service connection for this condition is also granted. The claims for low back condition, peripheral neuropathy (left lower extremity), and sleep disturbances are remanded.