Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder), and a low back disability due to lack of evidence showing in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, bladder dysfunction, and left lower extremity radiculopathy were rated at 40 percent effective December 5, 2016. The Board granted a TDIU on that date due to the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is at least as likely as not related to his active service, including his duties as a helicopter mechanic and an in-service fall off a helicopter. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for personality disorder is denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including depression or adjustment disorder, is granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and compensable rating for service-connected residuals of crush injury to the right hand are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for clothing allowances due to use of selenium sulfide shampoo and back brace in 2014. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding insufficient evidence to link the condition to service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including arthritis, olecranon bursitis of both elbows, low back disability, left and right hip disabilities, Lyme disease, Lupus, pulmonary embolism and infarction, erectile dysfunction as secondary to diabetes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The remand also includes a request for additional VA treatment records and medical opinions.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to assess the severity of his service-connected back disability, including any associated neurological conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was reopened due to new evidence submitted since the previous denial. The Board found that his current back disability is causally related to military service and granted service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease and spondylosis at L4 with grade 1 spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine is granted a 40 percent disability rating from April 18, 2013 onwards.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C is remanded due to incomplete records and the need for an examination to secure a fully adequate opinion.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right lower extremity sciatica, left lower extremity sciatica, and his variously diagnosed psychiatric disability are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar strain is remanded due to the need for an examination to secure a fully adequate opinion.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral pes cavus and claw foot with hallux valgus of the great toe and first metatarsal hammertoes is remanded due to the need for an examination to secure a fully adequate opinion.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including low back strain and hypertension. The claims are remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has a current lumbar spine disorder that manifested in service or is otherwise causally related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for joint disabilities and a lumbar spine disability, as well as their secondary to service-connected pes planus. The Veteran needs to undergo VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to service or due to his service-connected pes planus.

The Veteran's back disorders, including degenerative arthritis of the spine, lumbosacral strain, and degenerative disc disease, were not incurred in service as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year after separation. The Board found that the current conditions are not related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for back and neck disorders due to insufficient evidence regarding a current diagnosis of glaucoma.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability has rendered him unemployable, and the Board grants a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate examination report, and a need for updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, reflecting significant impairment in occupational and social functioning.,Service connection has been granted for a spine disability as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's left leg deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms. The lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) has been increased to a 20 percent rating effective December 30, 2015.