Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, finding that the current condition is not related to service and is less likely as not caused by or aggravated by any in-service injury.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, bilateral ear disability (Eustachian tube dysfunction), depressive disorder, bilateral ingrown toenail, Morton's metatarsalgia, interdigital neuroma within second and third toes of the left foot, migraine headaches, jaw residuals involving the 5th cranial nerve on both sides, GERD, chronic lumbar sprain, residuals of a left ring finger fracture, and left thigh scar.,The Veteran's current symptoms are consistent with his in-service complaints and diagnoses.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability, chronic fatigue, joint pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The Veteran is not shown to have or have had visceral leishmaniasis. Joint pain and chronic fatigue are considered as manifestations of his service-connected hepatitis C.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim of service connection for a right knee disability. The Veteran's current right knee disability is found not to be related to his active military service, as there is no evidence of continuous or recurrent symptoms during service or within one year after separation from service. Service connection for secondary disabilities (back, left ring finger, and right shoulder) was also denied due to lack of a nexus between the claimed conditions and active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to her active service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his left knee disability and its impact on any claimed left foot, ankle, and low back disorders. The AOJ will also consider all functional limitations resulting from his service-connected left knee throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's bilateral knee and lumbar spine disorders are found to be related to his active service.,Right elbow epicondylitis is also found to be related to a parachute accident during INACDUTRA.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for an epididymal cyst has been granted. Service connection is also established for hemorrhoids.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee arthritis is secondary to his service-connected left knee disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The lower back disability issue remains pending as a remand was ordered.

The Veteran's left cubital tunnel syndrome had its onset during service and the Board finds that service connection is warranted. The low back disorder issue remains pending as it was addressed in a separate REMAND.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities, including lumbar strain, right tibia stress fracture, status-post right thumb fracture, and right ring finger scar.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for new examinations and further development of the claims, including a TDIU issue.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current lower back disability is related to his military service. Resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, the criteria for a grant of service connection have been met.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed low back disorder, bilateral shoulder disorders, and bilateral hearing loss. The claims were found not to be related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are service-connected.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus, as it is at least as likely as not incurred in service due to noise exposure. Service connection is also granted for bilateral hearing loss, as it is at least as likely as not incurred in service due to noise exposure.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for left hip and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that new and material evidence supports these claims. The Board also found that the Veteran's left hip and lumbar spine disabilities are proximately caused by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA clinical documentation and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his hearing loss, tinnitus, lower back condition, bilateral knee condition, and skin disorder.

The Board has decided that the VA examination is inadequate and requires a new one with the appropriate medical professional to determine if the Veteran's back disability is related to service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and arthritis of the right hip, both presumed to have been incurred in service due to continuity of symptomatology. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is rated at 70 percent since July 24, 2012.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for a digestive disorder, low back muscle spasms and stiffness, and insomnia / sleep disorder. The right shoulder strain, bilateral knee instability, and headache disorders have also been rated at the maximum allowed under VA regulations.