Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of right wrist, right ankle, or back disabilities. The claims for nerve damage and dizziness are remanded due to incomplete service records.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous instructions and a need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. D.L. and providing an addendum from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted.,Service connection is established for a back disability, right knee disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression).

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a back disability has been reopened, and secondary service connection for lumbar strain is granted due to the relationship between his knee disabilities and his current back condition.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine degenerative joint disease is rated at a 20% rating prior to August 28, 2017 and at a 40% rating beginning on that date. His cervical spine degenerative joint disease is rated at a 30% rating since the start of his appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder, low back disorder, and right knee disorder are granted. The claim for tinnitus is also granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss has been dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connected due to his in-service stressors. His disability rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is also granted, leading to eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his postoperative degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is remanded due to inadequate examinations and lack of retrospective functional loss assessment.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran’s degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine has been rated based on its impact on his work and daily life.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for right shoulder and low back disabilities due to outstanding medical records and additional development is needed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a low back disability and remanded the issue of determining whether this condition is related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating and TDIU for the period prior to May 14, 2012 due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder and right knee/thigh disorder are granted as service-connected. The initial evaluation for PTSD is granted at 70 percent from October 1, 2015 to February 10, 2016.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence of record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and a right knee disorder, both secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The decision was based on the lack of evidence showing that these conditions were related to service or to his service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the lower extremities, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran's radiculopathy is being examined further regarding its relation to his service-connected lumbar myositis and other back disorders.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and verification of his periods of active duty, as well as obtaining any available service treatment records. The issues include bilateral hearing loss, bilateral eye disorders (including right and left eyes), back disability, neck disability, right arm disability, left arm disability, right hip disability, left hip disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, and right foot disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions. Service connection will be determined based on the merits of each claim.

Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted.,An increased disability rating of 40 percent, but no higher, for lumbar spine arthritis is granted. The Veteran's back disability does not meet the criteria for an even higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.,Prior to November 17, 2015, an increased disability rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for facial acne is granted. From November 17, 2015 onwards, the Veteran's facial acne does not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.,The appeal seeking an increased rating for erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea are dismissed as the Veteran withdrew these claims prior to the decision being made.,Service connection for bilateral knee disability is reopened. The claim will be remanded for further review.,Service connection for right wrist, right ankle, and bilateral plantar fasciitis disabilities are remanded.,Increased rating for bilateral metatarsus primus varus, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and adjustment disorder are also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, and a new VA examination is required.