Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to March 4, 2011 was denied as the evidence did not establish that he was unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

Your claim for a higher evaluation for bilateral otitis media is being remanded as your symptoms have worsened since the last examination.,Your claims for service connection of chronic sinusitis, chronic throat infection, and lung conditions are being remanded due to new evidence indicating an association with your service-connected bilateral otitis media.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine and acquired psychiatric disorder are granted service connection. The Veteran's cervical spine disability, diabetes mellitus, and secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities have been dismissed as he withdrew them prior to the decision. The Board also granted entitlement to individual unemployability (TDIU) due to multiple service-connected conditions preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, hypertension, and immune thrombocytic purpura due to insufficient rationale provided by VA examiners.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals for increased ratings in excess of 30 percent for status post appendectomy with recurrent intestinal dysfunction and in excess of 10 percent prior to October 23, 2015, for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis. As a result, the claims are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete information. The Veteran needs further VA examinations to address his back disability, right leg disability, right hip disability, hernia condition, and thyroid disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete information. The Veteran must be provided with additional examinations and opinions regarding his back disability, right leg disability, right hip disability, hernia, and thyroid disorder.

The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability based on the submission of new and material evidence is denied. The claims for right hip, left hip disabilities, and carpal tunnel syndrome (right and left upper extremities) are remanded.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for the Veteran's low back disability effective January 15, 2004. The evidence shows that the Veteran experiences significant limitation of motion due to pain and flare-ups.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, depression, and hypertension have been denied. The claim for schizoaffective disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for tinnitus and PTSD have been denied as there is no evidence of an earlier claim or intent to apply for benefits.,For the remaining issues, including service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, low back disability, skin rash, and initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, the case has been remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for dry mouth and bilateral CTS, as well as various rating claims. The Veteran's hallux valgus, pes planus, cervical spine conditions, and shoulder separation were all rated appropriately.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations to ensure that the VA examinations are adequate and include all necessary testing.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a low back disability and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The claims will be reconsidered after obtaining updated treatment records, conducting VA examinations, and providing medical opinions.

Service connection for a low back disability is denied.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss may not be reopened as new and material evidence has not been received.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 20, 2012, for the award of service connection for spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine is denied. The case is remanded due to the need for a retrospective medical opinion regarding the findings in the April 2013 VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome was denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the claim for a low back disorder due to incomplete development and outstanding records. The Veteran is advised to appear for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as there is no legal entitlement to an earlier effective date prior to December 27, 2011.,The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied as the criteria for such entitlement have not been met.