Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for sarcoidosis was denied. The Board also remanded the cases of increased rating for lumbosacral strain and TDIU evaluation.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities were granted a 10 percent evaluation prior to March 3, 2012.,A 20 percent evaluation was granted for the Veteran’s thoracic scoliosis from March 3, 2012 to April 30, 2015. The lower extremity radiculopathies were granted a 10 percent evaluation starting May 1, 2014 and a 20 percent evaluation starting June 8, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his lumbar DDD and DJD, as well as for TDIU, are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and additional records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and ischemic heart disease were denied. The Veteran's sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation claims, including as due to herbicide exposure or secondary to service-connected ischemic heart disease, are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to July 19, 2013 for service connection of right hip bursitis, lumbar strain disability, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and tinnitus have been denied as there is no legal entitlement to an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The AOJ will review this evidence and further adjudicate the claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are remanded to obtain VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine and right ankle disabilities were granted increased ratings, while the headache disability was denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis and major depression with personality disorder has been reopened, and the claims are granted. The Board requested additional medical opinions to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied service connection for chronic residuals of a motor vehicle accident affecting the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine, bilateral shoulders, and bilateral arms. The evidence did not show any chronic residuals from the 1974 MVA.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased disability rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and associated sciatic radiculopathy, as well as the claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the previously remanded issues.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at a 40 percent rating for the period prior to June 30, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, upper extremities is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of punji stick injury, left leg remains remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The appeal for a TDIU was also remanded.

The appeal to reopen the previously denied claim for bronchitis and headaches is dismissed. The appeal for service connection of a back disability is remanded, as new evidence has been received. The appeal for tinnitus is granted.

The Board denied all increased rating claims for the Veteran's service-connected conditions, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation for any of the disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been dismissed as the May 17, 2013 rating decision was solely to implement a prior final Board decision.

The Veteran's service-connected mood disorder and back condition have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back and heart conditions were denied as there was no evidence of ankylosis or functional limitation to a degree warranting higher ratings, and the medical records did not support the need for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his heart condition.