Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with mild to moderate degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine, left foot plantar fasciitis, right and left knee disorders, and hearing loss. The Veteran is required to undergo further examinations to determine these issues.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of plantar fascitis and pes planus, and denied an increased rating for thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his service-connected chronic muscle strain/low back pain and post-traumatic stress disorder with depressive symptoms are remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease and right leg radiculopathy were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU prior to February 13, 2016 are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative changes are related to her active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and service treatment records, as well as arranging for new medical examinations to assess his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and the obtaining of treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his claimed back and right knee disorders.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for all issues, with the exception of her initial compensable evaluation for epicondylitis right elbow. The denial is based on lack of evidence supporting higher ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and other conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and back pain, prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board grants TDIU prior to December 8, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected mild thoracic and lumbar back strain, as well as his claim of entitlement to service connection for a neck disorder (to include as secondary to his service-connected back condition), are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back, hip, and sleep disorders are not related to his military service. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including service connection for DM, cervical condition, lumbar condition(s), hypertension, bilateral knee condition(s) and psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for a lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The rating assigned is 30%.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA spine examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed low back disability.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a back disorder, finding no medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran is granted a 10 percent rating for his DDD with IVDS, lumbar spine from September 17, 2012 to April 18, 2015 and thereafter in excess of 10 percent. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected back brace does not tend to wear or tear his clothing, thus the criteria for an annual clothing allowance are not met.