Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have first manifested during military service and has recurred on an intermittent basis, meeting the criteria for service connection. The low back disability is presumed to have arisen during active duty due to repetitive movements and a specific incident.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability and granted entitlement to service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.,The Board also granted entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the condition had its onset during active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability.

The Veteran's appeal of the claim for an earlier effective date prior to April 26, 2011, for the grant of service connection for a back disability has been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine DDD and DJD are caused by service, thus granting his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability clearly and unmistakably existed prior to his period of active service, was aggravated by service, and is therefore entitled to service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus is rated at the maximum allowed. Service connection for major depressive disorder and cervical spine disability are granted, with hearing loss not reopened due to lack of new evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure a complete record and fair evaluation of the Veteran's claims. Specifically, new examinations are required for her lumbar spine, left knee, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome disabilities, as well as obtaining any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the Veteran's claims can be decided, including a new VA examination for his herpes simplex condition and an addendum opinion regarding his low back disability. The case will be remanded to the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records, as well as incomplete VA treatment records. The Veteran's periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) need to be verified.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment, as he is able to perform sedentary work despite his hearing loss and other conditions.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 10 percent prior to March 20, 2014 and increased to 40 percent thereafter. The TDIU claim is granted.,Prior to March 20, 2014, the Veteran became entitled to a TDIU due to his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's bilateral pterygium was found to not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection has been established for his bilateral knee and lumbar spine disorders, both of which are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and right leg neuropathy are not service-connected.,Service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no evidence of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder, including IVDS and degenerative disc disease, is secondary to his service-connected left knee strain.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an appropriate VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder and low back disorder are not related to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and neck disabilities are related to his in-service injury, granting service connection for both conditions.