Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for a low back disability and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for either condition.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for a back disorder and right lower extremity sciatica, both secondary to the Veteran's in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's mild osteoarthritis and disc space disease of the lumbar spine is remanded for a supplemental opinion to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to his active duty or any incidents therein.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's left hip osteoarthritis is related to or aggravated by his service-connected back and knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include back disability, right ankle disability, right foot disability, and perforated diverticulitis.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee, left knee, and low back disabilities based on the Veteran's active service.,Medical evidence shows that the Veteran experienced joint pain during military service, which led to current diagnoses of degenerative osteoarthrosis in both knees and a thoracolumbar spine strain with degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, low back disorder, and bilateral hip disorder have been granted service connection.,However, the specific nature of his gastrointestinal symptoms is not definitively diagnosed as a functional gastrointestinal disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for fracture, compression type L-2, healed with malunion and for TDIU due to service-connected back disability. The remand includes obtaining additional VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease is granted service connection, and a 10 percent evaluation for contact dermatitis of the right thumb is granted. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and degenerative changes is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease at C5-C6 and C6-C7, finding that the onset of this condition occurred during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, enlarged heart, thoracolumbar spine DDD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) are all remanded due to the need for additional evidence or examination. The claim for Chiari Malformation has been denied previously.

Service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine as secondary to service-connected left knee disabilities is granted.,Service connection for neuropathy of the right lower extremity, which was previously denied, is reopened and granted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left knee and low back disabilities due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran's lay assertions regarding his conditions are not considered, and the VA examination files were not reviewed as directed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating for lumbar myositis, service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy associated with lumbar myositis, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder) due to inadequate VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Veteran's major depression and anxiety are rated at 70 percent since September 20, 2017. The lumbar spine disorder is rated at 40 percent effective from September 20, 2017. The right lower radiculopathy remains in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, right shoulder strain, compression fracture of the lumbar vertebrae with degenerative changes, PTSD with anxiety, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The claims are being remanded for additional development including obtaining an opinion on whether the Veteran’s hypertension is related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids and bilateral hearing loss due to the significant time since his last VA examinations.,Service connection for back disorder and cervical disorder have been denied as there is no evidence of arthritis within one year after separation from service.

The Board has determined that VA examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of various conditions, including low back and cervical spine disorders, shoulder disorders, knee disorders, hearing loss, tinnitus, GERD, TBI, headaches, and hand tremors. The Veteran's service records show in-service accidents and injuries, but further medical evaluation is required to establish a connection between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hammertoe of the left little toe, plantar fasciitis, keratosis and multiple calluses of the great toes and left fifth metatarsal, and a low back disability have been dismissed. The reduction of the rating for TMJ from 10% to 0% has been restored as of August 13, 2014. A single 70% rating for PTSD since the date of filing has been granted. A single 60% rating for a right arm disability throughout the period on appeal has been granted.