Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's DDD and DJD of the lumbar spine and cervical spine are granted as secondary to service-connected disabilities of the right leg.

The Veteran's initial higher ratings for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and right knee disability were denied.,A compensable rating for the scar, post umbilical hernia repair was also denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, diabetes mellitus, and heart disorder. The case is remanded to obtain additional records, provide examinations, and determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his service connection claims for a lumbar spine disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and chest pain before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's surgical scars, post thoracolumbar fusion, do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as they are superficial and linear with no pain or instability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of a back disability before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a left knee disability, low back disability, and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity sciatica are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded. The Board notes that he also wishes to withdraw his appeal regarding left lower extremity sciatica, which had never been appealed.,The Veteran's claims for service connection of erectile dysfunction and migraine headaches are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.,The Veteran's claim for a separate rating for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability, bilateral hip disability, and bilateral knee disability due to insufficient evidence. The claims will be reviewed with a VA examination.

The Veteran's left ankle disorder, low back disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), right knee disorder, skin cancer, upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, and gastritis are all granted service connection. The rating for the right ankle fracture residuals is 20%.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 20% disability rating for lumbosacral strain is denied as there was no legally cognizable claim or intent to file a claim within the one-year period prior to February 16, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected Achilles tendonitis, left foot is granted a 10% rating. Service connection for degenerative joint disease and L5-S1 spondylolisthesis of the lumbosacral spine is also granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, right knee disability, and left knee patellofemoral syndrome with degenerative changes. The rating for left knee patellofemoral syndrome is increased to 20 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible testimony regarding in-service noise exposure and persistent symptoms of back pain, but does not meet the criteria for VA compensation purposes due to his current level of hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the inadequacy of previous examinations. A new examination is needed to assess the severity of his back disability, including neurological symptoms.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a back disorder due to new evidence submitted since the last denial. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and verifying dates of service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for lumbosacral strain, cervical spine strain, bilateral ankle disability, and tinnitus due to the absence of VA treatment records from 2001 to the present. These records are needed to make a determination on the merits.

Service connection is granted for arthritis and DDD of the lumbar spine, but service connection for CTS is remanded. A rating in excess of 10 percent for pain related to the scar, residual removal of cyst, is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbosacral joint disease, left knee condition, and right knee condition. The case is being remanded to provide the Veteran with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral knee conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for left knee disability and service connection for lumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran will need to undergo new VA examinations.