Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for low back and right knee disabilities as there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service or continuity of symptoms since service, and the medical opinions were against a link to service.

The Veteran's current depression is caused by his active duty service and he meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for extraschedular ratings for his bilateral knee disability and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, as well as his claim for TDIU due to his failure to attend VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings for allergic rhinitis and left inguinal hernia have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for urinary frequency, right hip strain, left hip strain, lumbosacral strain, right shoulder strain, left shoulder strain, and left foot bunion, as well as a psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes lasting four weeks or more.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current low back disability is related to service, including as a result of concussive injury from documented IED explosions.

The Veteran's initial 70 percent rating for an adjustment disorder with anxiety is granted, and a TDIU is also granted. The appeal is granted to these extents.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of records from William Beaumont Medical Center regarding treatment for a lower back disability during service. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, particularly regarding his right knee and hip disabilities. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, left knee disability, tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disability (dementia), liver disease, and prostate cancer. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims that these conditions were related to his active service.,There was no indication of onset during service or causation due to in-service activities such as climbing, jumping, and physical duties.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder and epilepsy was denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis or chronic condition, and the Veteran did not provide sufficient medical evidence to support her claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development, including scheduling of VA examinations and obtaining medical records. The issues on appeal include service connection for various orthopedic, respiratory, psychiatric, and dermatological conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder with radiculopathy, tinea cruris (jock itch), fungus of both feet, and headaches. The preponderance of the evidence does not show these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's low back disorder, bilateral knee disorders (right and left), and tinnitus are all related to his active service.,Service connection is granted for a low back disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, including whether they are caused or aggravated by a service-connected bilateral foot condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and back disorder are related to his active duty service, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for his residuals of amputation proximal phalanx, right fifth toe and lumbar spine disabilities. The evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a sinus disorder, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable error in the September 1993 rating decision. The Board also found that the Veteran is not entitled to service connection for her current mild bilateral maxillary sinusitis.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected lumbar strain.