Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's initial evaluation for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was granted at a 40 percent rating effective from June 2, 2012. The current 20 percent rating remains unchanged.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and a need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to service-connected hip or knee disabilities, as well as radiation treatment.

The Veteran's eye disability claim is denied as there is no diagnosed condition related to service.,The Veteran's back, feet, and face skin conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their etiology.,The Veteran's sleep apnea claim is remanded for a medical opinion on its etiology.,The Veteran's cellulitis of the left thigh claim is remanded for clarification of whether it constitutes a current disability or if it is only pain.,The Veteran's thyroid disorder claim is remanded to determine when the condition manifested and whether service aggravated it.,The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded for further medical opinion on its etiology.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities have been remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation. The current ratings remain at 40 percent.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted an increased evaluation of 20 percent from March 21, 2011, and 40 percent beginning June 9, 2016. The right shoulder disability is granted a 30 percent initial evaluation starting June 9, 2016. TDIU is granted due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluding his ability to work. The issue of extraschedular evaluation for migraines is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability was denied in October 2008. New and material evidence has been received, reopening the claim.

The Veteran's back disability is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service, and the medical evidence does not link his current condition to service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for high cholesterol is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a disability for VA compensation purposes.,The Board has remanded claims for service connection for fatigue, low back, joint pain, and skin disabilities due to insufficient evidence of their etiology in relation to service.

The Veteran's appeal for the bilateral flat foot condition was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made. The low back, high blood pressure, and prostate cancer claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate and remands the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a new examination.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, bilateral hip, and bilateral knee disabilities. The Veteran's bilateral ankle disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, low back disability, bilateral upper and lower extremity disability, and Parkinson’s disease to obtain an addendum opinion addressing whether these conditions are aggravated by his service-connected TBI.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for unspecified neurological condition associated with TBI and headaches associated with TBI.

The Veteran's facial scars have been rated as noncompensable due to the absence of characteristics of disfigurement or pain. The Board has found that the preponderance of evidence does not support a higher rating.,Several service connection claims for various disabilities are being remanded, including cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, left hip disability, sleep disorder (including sleep apnea), GERD, erectile dysfunction, headaches, neurological disabilities of the buttocks and lower extremities, chronic pain, and acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has decided to reconsider the service connection claim for a lumbar spine disorder due to new evidence received after the initial denial, and has ordered VA to obtain any outstanding treatment records from various VA medical facilities.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine spondylosis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also on appeal.

The Board denied service connection for low back, left arm, and right-hand disorders, finding that the current diagnoses are not related to service or any in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's right knee disability is granted service connection as it occurred during a period of inactive duty for training. The lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis issue is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment prior to January 15, 2009, and he is therefore not entitled to TDIU during that period.