Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and restoration of ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine, right shoulder, and left wrist disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting new examinations.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disability is granted.,The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of service connection for a right knee disability is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic right trapezius strain with neck pain is being remanded.,His claim for service connection for MDD prior to May 8, 2012 is denied as there was no pending or otherwise unadjudicated claim at that time.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to outstanding SSA records and a need for a VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, and the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, TDIU, a back disability, and an eye disability (glaucoma) are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's cervical strain and left upper extremity radiculopathy are granted at a 40 percent rating effective November 3, 2017. The Veteran's lumbar strain is rated as 40 percent disabling after July 29, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left pinky finger disability is denied as there is no current diagnosis of such condition.,A rating of 10 percent, but no higher, has been granted for the Veteran's residuals of a right index finger fracture.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current lower back disability is related to his service or an injury sustained in service.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 40% for lumbar strain and myalgia, denied a prior effective date for depression, and remanded the issues of increased rating for depression and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance for his back brace in calendar year 2017 is denied because the evidence does not show that the brace caused wear and tear to his clothing.

The Veteran's rating for thoracolumbar spine strain with degenerative disc disease was reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent in April 2015. The Board found that the reduction was not proper due to lack of compliance with regulations and restored the original 20 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for exercise-induced sinus tachycardia and an initial compensable rating for lumbar DDD due to insufficient examination reports. The Veteran must undergo additional VA examinations to determine if her current diagnoses are related to her military service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted as it was incurred in service due to acoustic trauma.,Headaches are also granted as they were incurred in service due to acoustic trauma.,Low back disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.,Obstructive sleep apnea is remanded for further examination and opinion.,Diabetes mellitus is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further action, including obtaining a legal brief and clarifying whether the Veteran still desires his videoconference hearing.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's back condition, as it is unclear whether his preexisting condition existed prior to service or if any increase in disability was due to natural progression.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disorder and remanded the issues of service connection for left knee instability and a rating greater than 20 percent for low back disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and its functional limitations.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of lumbar scoliosis, right knee disorder, and gluteal fasciitis. The appeal regarding reconsideration of left hip arthritis is granted but denied.