Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The claim to reopen the service connection for a low back disorder is denied. The claim to reopen the service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted, and service connection is established.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that his current condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding medical questions and need for further examination.

The Veteran's back injury with degenerative disc disease and mild facet hypertrophy is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for left wrist strain, lumbosacral strain, left knee strain, sinusitis, tension headaches and migraine headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome. The Veteran's current diagnoses are consistent with his reported symptoms in service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disorder, right wrist disorder, lower back disorder, blurry vision, and tinnitus. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but the Board has found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating. Other service-connected disabilities are also remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's low back disorder is currently rated at 60 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.,The Veteran's right hip avascular necrosis and hip replacement are being remanded for further development as secondary to his service-connected diabetes and low back disorder.

The Board has remanded seven issues on appeal, including service connection for various conditions. The Veteran's claim for skin condition is reopened due to new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claims for migraine headaches and temporomandibular joint dysfunction were denied, with the effective date set at February 15, 2008.,There was no prior claim or indication of intent to apply for service connection for these conditions before February 15, 2008.

The Veteran's clothing allowances for 2015 are granted due to her use of a back brace and skin medication for her service-connected lumbosacral strain and dermatitis, which collectively wear or tear distinct types of article of clothing.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been rated at the maximum allowed under VA guidelines. The Board found no evidence to support a higher rating and denied his request for an increased rating. For back and left knee disabilities, the appeal is remanded as there are insufficient in-service records to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's back disability was granted a 40% rating from November 15, 2012 to March 9, 2016. His right knee disability received separate compensable ratings of 10% for flexion limitation and 20% for dislocated meniscus since June 28, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination and requested a new VA examination. The Veteran's claim for increased rating of intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is also being remanded.

The Veteran's petition to reopen her claim for service connection for a right shoulder condition is granted. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received, but the claims are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the conditions.

The appeal as to the request to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right ankle disability is dismissed. The appeals as to the claims for service connection for thoracolumbar spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities are granted due to new and material evidence being received.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and missing VA treatment records. The issues include psychiatric disorders, back disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back and left knee disorders are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions. The right knee disorder is also granted as it meets the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to new evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss has been denied. The case is remanded for further evaluation of his lumbar spine disability, which currently rated as 40 percent disabling.