Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, to include degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The evidence shows that the Veteran reported in-service onset of symptoms and continuity of symptoms since service. Therefore, the Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence supports service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and chronic kidney disease are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in its entirety through a statement from his representative.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated as 40 percent disabling from October 6, 2017. The Board denied a higher rating for this condition prior to that date.,The Veteran's service-connected left ankle strain is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board denied a higher rating for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and remanded the issues of increased ratings for right knee, left knee disabilities, and residuals of right femur fracture.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and thoracolumbar spine disability have reached a severity sufficient to preclude him from securing and following any form of substantially gainful employment since January 28, 2015. Prior to that date, the criteria for TDIU were not met.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection, while the claim for an increased rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder and lower back conditions, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions due to incomplete service treatment records from his Reserve service. The AOJ must obtain these records and, if necessary, schedule VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine and lumbar disc disease status post lumbar decompression surgery are granted. The left shoulder condition is denied, but a reduction in rating for cervical degenerative joint disease status post spine fusion from 20% to 10% effective March 7, 2015 is restored. A reduction in rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis from 50% to 30% effective March 7, 2015 is also restored.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar, cervical spine, and radiculopathy conditions during his military service.

The claim for service connection for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the cervical spine is granted. The claim for service connection for Medial Epicondylitis of the right elbow is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia and remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her lumbar spine and left foot disabilities.

The Veteran's esophageal cancer, peripheral vascular disease, and low back strain are all found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to the service-connected diabetes.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left knee disability and post-operative residuals of a hernia repair due to the need for additional development.,The issue of service connection for CRPS is also being remanded as there may be an association with the Veteran's headaches, requiring further examination.,Service connection for post-operative residuals of a hernia repair is being remanded because the evidence suggests it may have been aggravated by service. ,The issue of service connection for sinus disability is being remanded due to potential aggravation during service and current symptoms.,Service connection for back disability, secondary to left ankle disability, is also being remanded as there are indications that the Veteran's condition may be related to his service.,Service connection for stomach condition is being remanded because of potential association with service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back, right hip, and left knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, left lower extremity disorder (sciatica), and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to conflicting medical opinions and insufficient evidence. The Veteran's right knee disability claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back and left ankle disabilities due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and medical opinions from Dr. S.V.

The Veteran's lumbar spine strain has increased in severity since his last VA examination, and he should be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for neck and back disorders due to inadequate examination findings. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting a new VA examination.