Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for his lumbar and thoracic spine disabilities, as well as cervical spine disability, have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is remanded due to inadequate examination findings regarding flare-ups and functional loss.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and granted an initial rating of 50 percent for post-traumatic headaches. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also granted.

The Board found that the reduction in the rating for lumbar strain from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective May 1, 2015, was improper and restored the original 20 percent rating.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence of current disabilities related to the Veteran's military service.,There is insufficient medical evidence linking the Veteran’s current conditions to his period of active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate August 2014 VA examination and a need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and providing an addendum opinion on functional loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back condition was denied in May 1975, but new evidence has been submitted that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim. The Board has therefore granted the petition to reopen this claim.,Service connection for the lower back condition is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or any link between service and the claimed condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left rotator cuff condition, back condition, and foot swelling were denied as the evidence did not establish a nexus to service or any other service-connected conditions. The claim for Reiter’s syndrome was also denied due to lack of evidence linking it to exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's initial rating for left shoulder arthritis is denied, but he receives a 20 percent rating for his lumbar spine arthritis. The decision also grants him a TDIU effective May 31, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine prior to December 1, 2014 was denied. The evidence did not show that his forward flexion was limited to 60 degrees or less or his combined range of motion was limited to 120 degrees or less.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding service connection for tonsillar cancer and asbestos exposure. The low back disability claim is denied.

The Board denied service connection for Major Depressive Disorder and remanded the issue of service connection for lumbar strain due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and arthritis. The claim will be reviewed again with new medical examination.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition, left elbow condition, low back condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder) due to lack of evidence showing these conditions began during service or are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for an annual VA clothing allowance due to use of a low back brace, as there is no probative medical or lay evidence showing wear and tear on clothing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are causing him to need assistance with activities of daily living, and he requests a VA examination to determine if he qualifies for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate. The Board has determined that further evaluation is needed due to the passage of over three years since his last VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back and left thumb disabilities, finding that these conditions had their onset in service.

The Veteran's back pain, stiffness, and soreness have worsened over the years, affecting his quality of life. The Board finds a need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including a mood disorder and PTSD. The claims for service connection for a back disorder, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type 2 are remanded due to insufficient evidence.