Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board denied a higher disability evaluation for the Veteran's low back strain with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, as there was no showing of ankylosis at any level of the spine.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD has been rated at 40% since August 21, 2017. The claim for TDIU prior to this date is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and hypertension, as well as his claim for TDIU prior to June 25, 2013. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral strain was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a 20% rating prior to March 31, 2015. The effective date of December 23, 2014 is upheld.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, increased ratings for IVDS and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, and earlier effective date for TDIU due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine are granted as service-connected due to a presumption based on active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the presence of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) in his lower back disability, as well as the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination if necessary.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbosacral and thoracic spine strain, degenerative disc disease, and degenerative joint disease has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations of various disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The decision restores service connection for bilateral hearing loss and grants increased ratings for left elbow scar, left knee instability, and remands the issues of rating in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the left knee and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the failure to notify him of his scheduled VA examinations, lack of post-service treatment records, and need for additional examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been remanded due to the need for further development.,Service connection has not been established for a left foot disability, vision disorder, bilateral hearing loss, headaches, right foot disability, upper and lower extremity disabilities, respiratory disorders, sleep disorder, or psychiatric disorders.

The Board has denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for qualifying additional disabilities of the right arm and hand, left arm and hand, right shoulder, left shoulder, cervical spine, and lumbar spine caused by or resulting from VA acupuncture therapy in 2016.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for left foot disability is denied as there was no prior claim filed.,Service connection for vision disorder, bilateral hearing loss, headaches, right foot disability, upper and lower extremity disabilities, respiratory disability, left shoulder disability, neck disability, back disability, sleep disorder, and erectile dysfunction are all denied.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and right knee strain with hamstring muscle tear residuals are being remanded for further evaluation due to the possibility of worsening symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain and for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The remand is required because additional medical examination findings are needed regarding the severity of the Veteran's back condition.

The Board has denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left leg muscle disability, and residuals of a head injury (claimed as Parkinson's disease).,Service connection was also denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD and MDD).

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar strain, but denied his right and left knee strain claims. The case is remanded to obtain VA treatment records and conduct a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's neck injury, low back condition, and left foot injury as these conditions are found to be related to his active military service.