Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since November 26, 2016. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, but these claims are still being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for various conditions, including a right-hand disorder, spinal cord injury, skin condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence submitted since the July 2009 decision was deemed not new or material.

The Veteran's lumbar strain, left and right knee disabilities are remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder due to lack of evidence establishing a relationship between his active military service and the condition. The appeal was not reopened as new evidence submitted since the last final denial did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various eye conditions, hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. The back disability claim is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and open-angle glaucoma, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease. The skin disorder claim is remanded due to lack of medical opinion.,Service connection was also denied for bilateral hearing loss, with the VA examiner concluding that current hearing loss is not related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected back disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded for additional examinations to assess their current severity.

The Board has granted service connection for upper back disorder, rhinitis, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's thoracic spine spondylosis was diagnosed in service and is not attributable to intercurrent causes. Rhinitis existed prior to service entrance but the Board found clear and unmistakable evidence of aggravation by service. Sleep apnea manifested during active duty.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on his service-connected lumbar spine conditions and lower extremity pseudo radicular pain syndromes have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of these issues by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for thoracolumbar and cervical spine disorders have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The appeal is remanded due to issues with service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, increased rating for back disability, and increased rating for tinnitus. The Veteran's period of service from June 21, 2007, to June 26, 2009, is considered a bar to receiving VA benefits.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's back and neck disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his in-service car accident and his current conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the other issues related to the Veteran's conditions are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a back injury, finding that the appellant's current back disorder is not related to his military service. The VA experts concluded that the appellant's back problems likely began after 2003 and were more likely due to aging-related degenerative changes rather than an August 2003 lifting incident during ACDUTRA.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory condition, arthritis, back disorder, and skin condition. The claims are being returned to VA for further development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the reduction of his service-connected low back disability rating from 40% to 20%. The Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Veteran's claim for hypertension is granted. Service connection for lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease and IVDS, as well as radiculopathy, right sciatic nerve, are restored. The claim for right hip strain is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back disability and pulmonary tuberculosis, render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.