Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings for back disability, bilateral shin splints. Additional evidence is needed to determine if there is a relationship between his current disabilities and service.

Service connection is granted for bilateral plantar fasciitis, hemorrhoids, and PTSD.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, sleep apnea, insomnia, hypertension, arthritis of the lumbar spine, and headaches are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which affect a single body system or arise from a common etiology, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the entirety of the appeal period. As such, entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Bell’s palsy, cervical spine DDD, and obstructive sleep apnea. The claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine foraminal stenosis and status post left knee meniscectomies were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a rating in excess of the current assigned evaluations.

The Veteran's depression and adjustment disorder secondary to left shoulder, left knee, and low back pain are rated at 50% prior to June 12, 2017. A rating of 70% is granted for the period from June 12, 2017 forward. The associated lumbar LLE radiculopathy is rated at 10%. The limitation of motion on extension of the left knee is rated at 0%, and a separate rating not to exceed 10% for non-LOM symptoms of left knee bursitis and posterior cruciate ligament strain (September 10, 2011 to April 21, 2014) is granted. The superficial painful scars are rated at 0%, and a compensable rating for scar residual, forehead, is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset and etiology.

The Board has denied service connection for a left shoulder disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, and left knee disorder. The claim for vertigo is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 30 percent since December 30, 2004. The Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted.,The effective date for the total disability rating based on individual unemployability was revised to March 11, 2015 from June 2, 2010.,The effective date for Dependents’ Educational Assistance benefits remains prior to March 11, 2015.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is rated at 100% effective August 6, 2018. The lumbar spasm and degenerative arthritis are rated at 40%. These ratings remain pending further action.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed lumbar facet arthropathy, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his in-service period and the condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, but denied the claim as there is no new and material evidence to support it.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back pain, left knee condition, right knee condition, left ankle condition, and right ankle condition due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's statements and private treatment records indicate she had injuries in service, but the VA examinations did not consider these factors or provide a rationale for their conclusions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, low back disability, and COPD (including as a result of exposure to herbicide agents) have been granted. The claim for service connection for asthma has been denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to the need for VA examinations and additional records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to outstanding private medical records and a need for a supplemental VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability.

The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder DJD, service connection for left shoulder disorder and low back disorder have all been denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims due to insufficient private medical records, which may contain relevant information for the Veteran's claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back disorder and headaches due to Gulf War exposure. The Veteran's service treatment records do not show complaints of headaches, but he is competent to report experiencing them since service. For the low back, there was an injury during service. An addendum opinion is needed from the VA examiner who previously evaluated these claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes are being remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with the August 2017 Board remand directives.