Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected back disability is rated at 10 percent, but he contends that his pain and other symptoms are more disabling than the current rating. The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection and evaluations due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal prior to a decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and review of his treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, and bilateral neuropathy of the upper extremities as there was no evidence of a chronic disease that manifested to a compensable degree in service or within a presumptive period.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a link between current hearing loss and tinnitus and military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence indicating possible aggravation of existing conditions by a service-connected condition, and for an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and a lumbar spine disorder were denied. The Board found that the cyclothymic disorder is not related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and the lumbar spine disorder was not due to an in-service injury or event.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lower back disability, finding that there was no evidence showing it was incurred or aggravated during his military service.

Service connection granted for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and a compression disorder of the thoracic spine.,Service connection granted for right foot plantar fasciitis.

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and entitlement to a compensable rating for a left thumb scar. The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD was remanded.

The Veteran's appeal of an increased rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar fibromyositis has been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues regarding a right knee disability and a left knee disability.

The Board has ordered additional development due to missing service treatment records and the need for an examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed lower back disorder and bilateral leg disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, finding that it is related to his active duty service and continuing symptoms since then.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis prior to March 22, 2011 and from March 22, 2011 to May 12, 2015 due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded as it may be significantly impacted by the increased rating claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a back disability, as they need to obtain an adequate opinion regarding whether his current back condition is secondary to his service-connected left foot disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee arthritis and thoracolumbar spine disability, both claimed as related to the Veteran's military service. The conditions are presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were generally granted. Bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, DJD of the lumbar spine (prior to July 14, 2016), PTSD from July 2, 2014 to April 10, 2018, chronic fatigue syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, and individual unemployability prior to April 10, 2018 were all granted. The Veteran's DJD of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent since July 14, 2016.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee, left knee, left hand/ring finger, lower back, and bilateral hearing loss disabilities. The maximum schedular rating of 10% is assigned for tinnitus.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for a lower back disability and remanded the issue for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of lumbar spondylolisthesis with degenerative disc disease, finding that there was no evidence linking his current disability to his military service.

The Veteran's back brace caused his clothing to wear out, and the Board granted payment of a clothing allowance for calendar year 2013.