Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disorder, right knee disorder, and secondary service connection for a right lower extremity disorder. The conditions are found to be related to in-service injuries.

The Veteran's DDD of the thoracolumbar spine is rated at 40 percent, and his depressive disorder NOS is rated at 70 percent. Both conditions are denied for higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracolumbar spine strain, left knee strain, right knee strain, and bilateral pes planus due to missing VA treatment records from 2014 to the present. These records are needed to properly assess the Veteran's conditions.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right shoulder, lumbosacral spine, cervical spine, and right knee disabilities, as well as bilateral hearing loss and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims were not supported by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected traumatic strain of the lumbar spine has been denied as his disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left and right knee disabilities, as well as an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his knee disabilities and back disability.

The Veteran's mechanical low back pain is rated at 40 percent effective July 30, 2018. The left leg radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent. The right leg radiculopathy remains at 20 percent. The TDIU claim was denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current spine disabilities and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for various conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of service connection or an increase in disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a back disorder, cervical spine disorder, right knee disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The AOJ is instructed to obtain medical records, verify periods of active duty, and schedule examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The appeal concerning service connection for avascular necrosis and compensable rating for erectile dysfunction is dismissed. Service connection for renal cancer, PTSD, bilateral foot disability, and lumbar spine disease is granted with a 70% initial rating for PTSD effective July 27, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, and low back disabilities. The evidence supports the conclusion that these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and hepatitis C due to outstanding VA and private treatment records not being obtained. The Veteran will need to provide authorization for these records, and an adequate VA examination will be conducted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no nexus between his current condition and any in-service injury or event.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for her lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities, as well as headaches beginning October 23, 2008. Additional development is needed to ensure all necessary findings are made.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a cervical spine injury, lumbar spine implant, and traumatic right leg injury. The Board also denied the claim for TDIU prior to June 23, 3018.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a cervical spine injury, lumbar spine implant, and traumatic right leg injury. The Board also denied the claim for TDIU prior to June 23, 3018.

The Veteran's lumbar syndrome is being remanded for further examination and consideration of updated treatment records.

The appellant's claim for a clothing allowance due to her service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine brace is being remanded. The AOJ needs to review all relevant documents, including prior claims and evidence, and determine if the appellant’s lumbar spine brace meets the criteria for a clothing allowance in accordance with VA directives.