Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for neck disability, low back disability, right hip DJD with limitation of flexion, and left wrist fracture. The cases are remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and opinions to determine the nature, severity, and etiology of his lumbar spine and right knee disabilities, as well as any left knee disability. The issues include determining if the Veteran's service-connected conditions are causing or aggravating his current conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU due to inadequate statements of reasons or bases, and insufficient consideration of his educational and occupational history. The case is being returned to obtain additional medical and vocational assessments.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, but denied service connection for a low back disability.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is being remanded to determine if it is distinct from his service-connected GERD.,Left and right sciatica conditions are also being remanded for clarification.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to issues with obtaining a statement from Dr. Stearns regarding the etiology of the Veteran's heart disability, which is currently under review.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome or other criteria warranting a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for erectile dysfunction, low back disability, and left ankle disability as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found no evidence supporting these claims.

The claim of service connection for a back disability is remanded due to new evidence submitted and the need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation, as well as his claim for TDIU due to the need for additional records and further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for essential tremors, headache disability, and insomnia due to ongoing VA medical records being needed. The Veteran is also requested to provide authorization for any outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right wrist sprain and osteoarthritis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show ankylosis, which would warrant a higher rating under DC 5214. For TDIU, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities were deemed to be insufficient to preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the first left rib, low back, and shoulder disorder.

The claim is granted as new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the service connection for low back disability. However, service connection remains denied due to lack of a nexus between current symptoms and in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his DDD with herniated disc L5-S1, previously limitation of lumbar spine, is denied. The evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) lasting 6 weeks or longer during a 12-month period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back condition, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a back condition was dismissed due to untimely filing of the substantive appeal. The claim for hypertension was denied as there is no evidence that it manifested during or within one year after service, and there is insufficient medical nexus between current hypertension and service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and his initial rating for bipolar disorder with opioid dependence is remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction is granted. However, the claims are remanded due to insufficient verification of herbicide exposure.