Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for lumbar strain with degenerative disc and facet joint hypertrophy is denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or physician-prescribed bedrest.,The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for status post osteotomies of the bilateral submandibular areas with TMJ instability is denied as his inter-incisal range of motion has not been shown to be limited to 0-10 mm.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for reopening service connection for left knee, low back, and right hip disabilities due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claims for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as sleep apnea, seizure disorder, acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression), left leg disability, and right ear hearing loss have been denied due to lack of evidence establishing service connection.,Service connection has not been established for any of the conditions listed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of various disabilities, including back disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral hip disability, right foot toe disability, peripheral neuropathy, depressive disorder, and bilateral hearing loss. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA examinations and ensuring compliance with all notice and assistance requirements. The TDIU claim must also be remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating issue.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a more recent VA examination and additional development of his claims, including for TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including bilateral hip disorder, lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, and left knee disorder, have been denied as secondary to his service-connected right knee osteoarthritis. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for varicose veins.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is related to his military service and he meets the criteria for service connection. The issues of increased evaluations for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and left ear hearing loss disability, as well as TDIU, are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the cause of the Veteran's lower back condition and whether it is related to service. The case is therefore being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain with degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 20% since June 16, 2017.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine strain is currently rated at 40% since June 16, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine DJD was granted. However, the claim for service connection for an anxiety disorder secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine DJD was denied.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 8100. The low back disability is rated at 20 percent and the right thumb disability is rated at 10 percent. A TDIU is granted for the period before December 16, 2016.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a back disability, nose bleeds, and head pain. The case is REMANDED to obtain new opinions on the nature of these disabilities and their relation to military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a low back disorder has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's overall disability rating is properly calculated using the Combined Ratings Table, resulting in a total combined rating of 50 percent. The claim for an increased rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease prior to May 5, 2011, and from May 5, 2011, was denied as there were no findings warranting higher ratings under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative changes and PTSD, but denied service connection for a left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and examinations.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions and development are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine and cervical spine disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee, right ankle, lumbar spine DJD, left knee DJD, right hip condition, and residuals of a left pelvis fracture are caused by his service-connected residuals of a right foot fracture.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current low back disorder or heart disorder related to service, and his bilateral hearing loss is not shown to be present. As such, the claims for these conditions are denied.