Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral spine disability is now rated at 40 percent effective June 18, 2014. Additionally, a separate 10 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the service-connected lumbar spine disability is granted from November 11, 2016.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to deficiencies in previous examinations and because of allegations of worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU rating. The remaining claims for increased ratings are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and found that his current lumbar spine condition is not related to his military service. The ratings for his left and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome were reduced from 10% to 0%, but the Board determined this reduction was improper, and restored the prior ratings.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations of record failed to adequately address range of motion measurements in times of flare-ups and have ordered a new examination to re-evaluate the Veteran's condition during the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for a lower back condition and diabetes mellitus, type II, was granted. The claim for erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II, as well as the claims for nerve conditions of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, were denied.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, is denied because there is no evidence of herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is denied as there is no evidence showing that it was incurred in or aggravated by service.,Service connection for PTSD is granted based on credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor, despite conflicting medical opinions regarding current diagnosis.

The Board found no evidence of a lumbar spine injury in service and concluded that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) with degenerative arthritis and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to new evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's lumbar strain is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertriglyceridemia is denied as it does not constitute a disability for VA compensation purposes.,The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to April 26, 2011, for service connection for PTSD and tinnitus are denied due to lack of communication indicating intent to file a claim prior to the date of receipt of his formal claims forms.,The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is remanded as additional VA examination records are needed.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of right tibia fracture and low back disability is remanded due to missing service treatment records and the need for a more detailed etiological opinion.,No effective date prior to April 26, 2011, was granted as no communication indicating intent to file a claim prior to that date was received.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and failure to consider functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection of a back disability, including degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine. The decision is based on the need for a supplemental VA opinion due to the lack of consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms during and after service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for a low back disability, and has also granted service connection for this condition. The evidence shows that the Veteran experienced symptoms of back pain during military service in Vietnam, including jumping from helicopters at heights up to 10 feet above ground level while carrying heavy packs.

The Board has granted service connection for a back condition, but denied service connection for bilateral pes planus and hallux valgus, left foot.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various disabilities, including PTSD and TBI residuals, were denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disability during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbosacral spine DJD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records. The service connection for this condition was previously granted on a secondary basis, but it may be more appropriately characterized as aggravated by his service-connected left knee disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, but remanded the issues of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to unclear audiometric test results.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for a back condition and secondary service connection claims. The rating for the acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development of evidence, including a VA examination and consideration of new medical records.