Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's initial claim for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was denied, with a rating of 20% prior to June 5, 2018, and 40% thereafter. The Veteran also received an initial 20% rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity prior to June 5, 2018, but was denied a higher rating after that date.,The Board found no basis for increased ratings for either condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on range of motion, as pain alone does not constitute functional loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions and their relationship to service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a heart condition, low back condition, disability manifested by pain of the lower extremities (claimed as joint pain), and skin condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and remanded the issues of bilateral hip and knee disabilities, as well as TDIU. The decision on TDIU is pending due to its interdependence with other matters.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied as entitlement to this benefit did not arise prior to March 11, 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of various hip and leg disabilities, as well as an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for lower and upper back disabilities, as well as a left knee disability. Service connection was denied for sinusitis.,An initial compensable rating is requested for allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is granted. The Board found that the evidence presented since the March 2011 rating decision raised a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim, and thus reopened the previously denied claim. Service connection was also established as the evidence showed a relationship between the Veteran’s in-service complaints and his current diagnosed conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for type 2 diabetes.,The claim for service connection for type 2 diabetes is denied because it was not proximately caused by VA care or an event not reasonably foreseeable.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for a lumbar spine disability secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee amputation disability and service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, which is either secondary to his service-connected right below and above the knee amputation disability or related to his lumbar spine disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and low back disabilities, but has remanded them for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition to include lumbosacral spine spondylosis was granted. The claims for increased evaluations of his bilateral hip and knee disabilities were denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, and a rating of 30 percent was assigned for the period prior to June 3, 2014. The claim for an increased rating for right caliectasis is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for asthma, sleep apnea, headaches, neck pain, lower back condition, right knee condition, and left knee condition due to a lack of VA examinations and opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability was rated at 60 percent from October 3, 2005. The Board found no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis and granted a separate 10 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy. The case is remanded to determine if the Veteran should have received TDIU prior to June 29, 2000.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left ankle strain, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD), right knee degenerative joint disease (DJD), and left knee DJD. The VA will conduct further examinations and obtain additional records before deciding these cases.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is remanded due to unclear periods of service and missing treatment records. An updated VA medical opinion is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further development. The Veteran's low back disability, right leg sciatica, neck disability, and a disability of the right arm manifested by numbness are all under review.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for low back disability, left foot disability, migraines, and insomnia. The Veteran’s tinnitus is found to be related to her military service.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for a back disability, service connection for a genitourinary disability, and service connection for residuals of the removal of the right fallopian tube. A new examination is required in each case.