Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

Service connection is denied for hearing loss and tinnitus as there is no evidence of current disability at present.,The Veteran's right hip, low back, left knee, right knee, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities are remanded due to incomplete service treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation of PTSD due to additional relevant evidence received since the last decision, including VA medical records and Vet Center treatment records. The AOJ is also instructed to obtain any outstanding treatment records from the Vet Center.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between his current disabilities and active service. The issues include lower back disability, ankle disabilities (both ankles), bilateral flat feet, and complex regional pain syndrome in legs.

The Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder are service-connected, but his back disability is not. The right shoulder disability has been rated at 20% since April 2015.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The appellant's left lower extremity radiculopathy is to be evaluated, and his low back disability on an extraschedular basis is also to be reviewed.

The Veteran's increased ratings for DDD at C4-5 and C6, as well as cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, were denied. The Board also found that remand was necessary to address service connection claims for back disability and right leg disability.

The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for migraines due to the Veteran's withdrawal from appeal. The remaining claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder disability, low back disability, bilateral hip disability, and bilateral ankle disability are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations due to incomplete examination reports and new evidence.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was denied. Claims for increased ratings for facet arthritis and degenerative disc disease, thoracolumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and cervical spine strain with degenerative changes, C5-C6, C6-C7 with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) were also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to additional evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine condition with sciatica is remanded due to the need for additional examination and testing.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right thumb disability, back disability, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus due to new evidence from VA medical records and a need for a new VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and remanded the issue of an initial compensable rating for tension headaches.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a low back disability due to insufficient evidence regarding whether any diagnosed condition is related to service or pre-existed service.

The Board granted a 20% rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease with disc herniation and IVDS from September 10, 2012 to April 23, 2017.,The Board denied ratings in excess of 40% for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve since April 24, 2017.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar back disability, residuals of a broken nose, irritable bowel syndrome, and migraine headaches as there was no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty service.

The claim for service connection for a back disability is reopened, but the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, type II, and erectile dysfunction are denied.

The Veteran's low back strain with DDD and right sciatic nerve neuropathy were rated at 20 percent, but no higher, for the period from June 1, 2013 to January 2, 2018. The Board found that the evidence did not support any increased rating prior to this date.

The Veteran's back disability has not met the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating.,The Veteran's neck disability has not met the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's back brace, used in conjunction with his service-connected lumbar spine disability, tends to cause wear and tear on his clothing. The Board has granted a clothing allowance for the 2015 calendar year.