Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to September 9, 2015. However, the combined effect of his other disabilities (including diabetes and cervical spine disability) also contributed to his inability to work.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle, traumatic brain injury residuals, left knee, and right knee disabilities are denied. The claim for service connection for a back disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sinus disorder is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an allergy disorder (to include allergic rhinitis) is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disorder is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.

The claim of service connection for a low back disability is being remanded due to the need for further medical examination and opinion.

The Board denied service connection for back disability, mesothelioma, and arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease). The cause of death claim is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a rating of 70 percent since February 1, 2013. The issue of an initial rating for lumbar spine IVDS with right lower extremity neurological impairment is remanded. The issue of TDIU is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for low back and right knee disorders, finding that the evidence supports a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, specifically related to flare-ups. The claim is now pending for further evaluation.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is granted a 20 percent evaluation, effective April 27, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is remanded due to insufficient evidence and need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran is granted initial ratings of 20 percent for his low back condition and 10 percent each for left and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy. Further development is needed to determine if higher ratings are warranted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability and back disability due to insufficient rationale in previous VA examination opinions. The Veteran must be scheduled for new examinations to address his assertions of in-service pain.

The Board has determined that the VA opinions are inadequate and requires new opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back condition and right knee condition. The claims for service connection will be remanded.

The Veteran's left ankle disability and PTSD have been granted service connection. The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the neck, low back, and hypertension issues.,The Veteran’s claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and hypertension disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle disability is granted, and the initial rating for his low back disability prior to August 17, 2015 is denied. A 40 percent rating is granted for the low back disability effective from November 16, 2014.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and/or depression) are related to service, but further medical opinions are needed to determine if these conditions are caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to incomplete medical records from VA St. Louis Healthcare System for 1970 to 1993, and additional development is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disability does not meet the criteria for eligibility for a special home adaptation grant or assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing, and his claim for SMC at the aid and attendance or housebound rate is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine at L4-L5 and L5-S1 has not resulted in unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, so his claim for a higher disability rating is denied.