Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left hip, lumbar spine, and right hip disorders due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for higher initial disability ratings for the service-connected thoracolumbar scoliosis, cervical spondylosis, esophageal reflux, erectile dysfunction, and testiculitis has been dismissed.,Higher initial disability ratings have been granted for hypertension (10 percent) and varicose veins of both legs (20 percent).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of his TDIU claim in light of the increased back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not supported by the evidence of record and have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for low back strain was denied, as the evidence did not show limited flexion or ankylosis. The hypertension claim was also denied due to lack of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more. TDIU claims were denied as well.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development and examination, as the previous VA examiner's opinion was inadequate.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent since June 29, 2015. The rating for his posttraumatic stress disorder with adjustment disorder and depressed mood has been increased to 30 percent effective February 6, 2013. His anal fistula cyst remains non-compensable. His digestive disorder is rated at zero percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various musculoskeletal conditions, including right hip arthritis, left hip arthritis, back disorder, sciatica, right elbow disorder, and left elbow disorder are all denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including left and right thumb disabilities, cervical spine disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and lumbar spine disability. The VA examinations are needed to assess the current severity of his thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety neurosis), a left arm disorder, and a right leg disorder have been granted. The claim for diabetes mellitus, type II remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining additional medical records. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his low back disability is being considered, as well as his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD and service connection for a back disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records. The effective date of service connection for PTSD is also in question.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not render her housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance, as she is capable of performing most daily functions independently despite physical impairments.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on his symptoms and examination findings.

The Veteran's hypertension, heart condition (cardiomyopathy), and low back disability are all granted. The reduction of the low back disability rating from 40% to 10% is also granted. An initial increased rating for the low back disability is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in previous opinions and a need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for an examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining recent VA or private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain missing service records and VA treatment records, as well as to conduct further examinations. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated medical records and for VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD and lumbar strain.