Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for muscle spasms of the low back, blurred vision due to cataracts (now claimed as dry eyes), sleep apnea, hypertension, and benign neoplasms of the heart were all denied. The denial was based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease was granted after it was determined that there was clear and unmistakable error in a previous rating decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 1, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbar spinal stenosis with degenerative disc disease is remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The examiner must assess the current severity of his condition, including any additional loss of range of motion during flare-ups.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and experience since February 6, 2009.

The Board denied service connection for a left foot condition, right foot condition, lumbar spine disability, and chronic headaches.,There is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of in-service injury or illness related to these conditions.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent, effective throughout the appeal period. The Board has remanded issues regarding his lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy for further examination and rating considerations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, including for right knee meniscal tear and degenerative changes, left knee meniscal tear and degenerative changes, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, nervous disorder (presumed secondary to musculoskeletal problems), and sleep apnea (secondary to obesity).

The Veteran's initial disability rating for migraines was granted at 50 percent, while his lumbar strain and tinea versicolor were denied higher ratings. The Veteran also received a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for a lumbar spine/back condition, cervical spine/neck condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, and TDIU are remanded for additional development.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary due to the lack of STRs and the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's current back disability.

The Veteran's low back disability is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions and inadequate VA examination.,The Veteran's sinusitis is remanded as there are no records of treatment during service, but the Board finds a need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disability, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome. The Veteran's residuals of vasectomy, left great toe (claimed as broken toe), and bilateral inguinal hernia are also being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for mechanical low back pain, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and left knee patellofemoral syndrome are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. Additional evidence is needed regarding the severity of his conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right wrist and low back disabilities, finding no current diagnoses or evidence of in-service injuries that would support these claims.

The Veteran's appeals for severance of service connection and a compensable rating for scars have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded cases regarding his lumbar spine, left knee, right knee, and TDIU.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and migraines have been granted higher ratings, but the stomach pain claim is remanded for further development.,PTSD service connection and secondary psychiatric disorder to service-connected conditions are also on remand.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not compensable.,Service connection for a right leg disability, left leg disability, lower back disability, and right ankle disability are all denied.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection of a back disability and denied his claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Board found that there was no credible evidence to support the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and concluded that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder and denied the claim as there is no evidence that his current condition is related to service.

The claim for service connection for atrial fibrillation has been reopened and granted. Service connection is also granted for a left hip disability, but the other issues have been remanded.