Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's left shoulder glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis is rated at 20 percent, and the Veteran's degenerative disc disease with IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine is restored to a 60 percent rating effective January 1, 2015. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disability. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus remain unresolved.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 40 percent for left sciatic nerve compression with left leg radiculopathy and entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and low back strain due to evidence indicating that his disabilities have worsened since the last examination. The Veteran will need to provide updated private treatment records, including from Dr. J.W., and undergo another VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and unverified periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA). The appellant needs to provide additional information or authorization for VA to obtain relevant private records. Further attempts should be made to verify his National Guard service, including contacting the Army Human Resources Command.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back disability with right lower extremity radiculopathy and restless leg syndrome due to lack of STRs, intercurrent causation, and possible VA medical records not being available.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with the VA examination and further development is required.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen claims for service connection of various conditions, but the cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis related to her claimed left shoulder injury, left arm condition, right knee injury, cervical strain, or lumbar strain. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical opinions and the need for a clarifying VA opinion regarding the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's back disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and procedural issues. The claims include service connection for various conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, sleep disorder, MDD, and GAD), hiatal hernia, GERD, PUD, chronic colitis, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative joint disease of both hips, degenerative joint disease of both knees, degenerative joint disease of both feet, conjunctivitis, and hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeal by his representative.,The Veteran’s claims for TBI, left thumb, ring, and little finger disabilities, lumbosacral spine disability, migraines associated with TBI, residual scars from TBI, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, and service connection for residuals of left ulnar nerve transposition in the left arm are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and lack of VA treatment records. The Veteran's low back disability is being reviewed again for service connection.

The Board has remanded four issues related to service connection: lumbar strain and sprain, right ankle condition, bilateral hearing loss, and sciatica of the right lower extremity. The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was previously granted in a January 2018 rating decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation from December 25, 2008 to July 9, 2012. The Board has remanded the issue of TDIU for further review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is remanded due to the need for further examination.,Service connection has been granted for tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for tinnitus, low back injury residuals, bilateral hearing loss, and a psychiatric disorder due to incomplete records and need for further medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder, was denied. The Veteran also had her initial rating for urinary incontinence increased to 20 percent from July 24, 2012 to July 7, 2014, but later decreased to 40 percent from July 8, 2014 to September 30, 2014 and then to 60 percent since October 1, 2014. The cervical spine disorder claim was remanded, as was the rating for lumbar spine disability. The TDIU claim was also remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back condition, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and no link between his current condition and service.

The Board denied service connection for low back, hip, and left ankle disabilities claimed as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability due to lack of evidence supporting the Veteran's assertions.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active service.