Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's initial ratings for posttraumatic headaches and back disability have been granted, but the appeal is pending regarding whether to grant higher initial ratings. The Veteran has not yet received the maximum schedular rating available for his conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected T11-T12 bulging disc and Schmorl's nodes at L1-T11 herniated nucleus pulpous right thoracolumbar myositis is being remanded due to the need for clarification of whether intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is present, as well as further examination to assess the extent of his disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence and the need for a new VA examination. The issues include seeking a higher disability rating for his lumbar spine disorder and service connection for a neurological disorder associated with it.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have been incurred during active service, and the claim for this condition is granted. The low back disability is not considered to be related to active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction was not incurred in or related to service, including as secondary to his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine. The claim for increased ratings for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities is remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a back disability. The case is now remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from 1989 through the present, scheduling VA examinations, and readjudicating the claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral ankle disorder and thoracolumbar spine disorder. Specifically, VA examinations are required to clarify the nature of any current disorders and their etiology.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper development and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection due to conflicting opinions provided by medical professionals and incomplete medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including locating missing service records and scheduling an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of such a condition. The claims for back and right leg disabilities are pending due to the need for additional examination and opinion. The Veteran's hypertension and heart disability are also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current peripheral neuropathy is not related to his period of service and therefore denied service connection for this condition. The claim for bilateral plantar fasciitis remains pending, as does the secondary service connection claim for a back disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that the current conditions are related to in-service injuries.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is linked to a dislocated shoulder during deployment, while his lumbar spine disability is attributed to chronic sprain/strain with no evidence of scoliosis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and generalized anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability was initially rated as 10 percent prior to September 19, 2016 due to arthritis with painful motion. From September 19, 2016, the disability is rated as 20 percent.,The criteria for a higher rating have not been met from September 19, 2016 onwards.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder, but denied service connection for hearing loss of the right ear and right shoulder disorder. The claim for reopening the right shoulder disorder was also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hand disability and a right leg disability, both secondary to service-connected conditions. The claim for low back disability was also denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service.

Your service connection for a low back disability and paresthetica meralgia of the left thigh has been granted effective from April 9, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding secondary service connection and aggravation of nonservice-connected cervical spine disability by service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to address these issues.