Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected lumbar spine, cervical spine, left shoulder strain, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for the period July 1, 2013 to October 14, 2013, and December 1, 2013 to June 5, 2014.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for low back and neck disabilities due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran's current disabilities are believed to be related to an in-service fall from a helicopter, but further examination is needed to determine causation.

The Board has restored a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected postoperative degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, as the reduction was improper due to lack of sustained improvement in the disability. The TDIU entitlement was also restored.

The reduction of the rating for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine with scoliosis from 40 to 20 percent, effective November 1, 2014, was restored.,An increased rating in excess of 40 percent for low back disability and an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy, right lower extremity associated with lumbar DDD are denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher disability rating for lumbar strain with degenerative facet joint degeneration.

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for service-connected lumbar strain and for service connection for erectile dysfunction, as there are issues regarding the etiology of the erectile dysfunction and the need for an extraschedular evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and several knee disabilities. The Veteran's VA treatment records from Little Rock VAMC are to be obtained, as well as any recent VA treatment records. A new VA examination is needed to determine if any current lumbar spine disability is related to active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of the Veteran's back disorder and its relation to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and erectile dysfunction disabilities. The Board found no current disability in any of these areas and insufficient evidence to link them to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeals regarding the effective date for service connection and initial rating for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome have been dismissed.

The Veteran's death was not caused by or a result of his service-connected lower back disability. The cause of death listed on the death certificate, COPD, is considered the immediate cause of death. Service connection for cause of death is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for pulmonary emphysema, left and right foot conditions, left and right knee conditions, low back condition, and COPD due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and ratings have been denied. The claim for dry eye syndrome due to PRK surgery was not reopened, while the remaining issues were denied.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination for the Veteran's lumbar spine and left lower extremity disabilities, as well as an opinion regarding his erectile dysfunction. The claims are being remanded to allow for these examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a lower back condition but granted service connection for tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a lumbar spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's condition was not caused by VA treatment and did not meet the legal criteria for compensation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability and liver and abdominal adhesions due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial. However, both issues are remanded as further medical opinions are needed.

The Board has denied service connection for dyslipidemia and has remanded the remaining issues related to spine conditions, joint disorders, hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, GERD, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and psychiatric disorders.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and remands several issues for further action.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy to bilateral lower extremities has been reopened and granted. Service connection is denied for tinnitus.