Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of neck, back, bilateral knee, bilateral shoulder and chest pain disabilities. The appeal regarding vertigo is dismissed as well.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back condition, bilateral knee conditions, and an acquired psychiatric condition (major depressive disorder and paranoia) as new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and anxiety/depression disorders, as well as a need for further examination of his low back disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and back disorder have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,Service connection has not been established for a lung disorder (due to asbestos exposure).

The Board has granted the appellant's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, upper extremity neuropathy, and lower extremity radiculopathy. The appeals are now remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back and left hip disabilities due to inadequate examination reports that did not consider the Veteran's credible lay evidence of in-service injury and continuous pain.

The Veteran's initial rating for lumbar spondylosis is denied, but he receives a separate 10 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a back condition due to insufficient evidence. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and requests for verification of his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the Veteran's failure to appear at a scheduled DRO hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's back disability prior to December 3, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for cardiomyopathy, left knee condition, and sleep apnea. Service connection was denied for a back condition.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a lower back disability, bilateral hearing loss due to acoustic trauma, left ear infections, and tinnitus. The Veteran's separation examination took place in May 1975, but he alleges that he was involved in a motor vehicle accident during service. Additional records from Germany are needed, as well as VA examinations to determine the etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability was granted a rating of 30 percent from April 22, 2015 to November 7, 2017; and of 50 percent from November 8, 2017. The left shoulder disability was denied an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for recurrent low back strain and entitlement to a TDIU due to failure to provide VA examinations as directed.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected TBI, lumbar spine problems, and bilateral knee issues has been granted special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are not related to his active service, but additional evidence is needed for other conditions. The Veteran will need to provide updated treatment records and undergo a new VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including reopening service connection for allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, determining a rating for low back disability, and examining the etiology of sleep apnea.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as the Veteran died before a decision was made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for his left shoulder condition.,The preponderance of evidence is against finding that the Veteran's right shoulder condition is related to an in-service injury.