Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including pulmonary sarcoidosis, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, Cushing's Syndrome, osteoporosis of the lumbar spine, and duodenal ulcer, preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's headaches are service-connected as secondary to his major depressive disorder. The Board also granted TDIU based on the Veteran's major depressive disorder and other service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for recurrent lumbar strain and reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for low back disorder. Service connection is also granted for left knee disorder, but bilateral hearing loss remains in dispute.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of all claims prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for an adequate medical opinion to determine the severity of his service-connected cervical spine disability and whether it warrants a rating in excess of 20 percent from September 1, 2013.

The Veteran's application to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions has been granted. The specific conditions include low back strain, hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety, and depression), and residuals of exposure to tuberculosis disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for lumbar spine disability and TDIU prior to August 29, 2006 due to incomplete development. The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is being referred to VA’s Compensation Director for extra-schedular consideration.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated at 20% prior to November 2, 2016. Since then, the rating for the lumbar spine disability has been denied, while the rating for the right lower extremity radiculopathy remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, left knee, and tinnitus disabilities due to medical questions remaining. The AOJ is instructed to arrange for VA examinations in accordance with special procedures for incarcerated Veterans.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent prior to April 9, 2015 and remains at that level. From April 9, 2015 to July 20, 2015, the rating was increased to 40 percent. Since then, a higher rating has not been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a left shoulder disability but has remanded the issue of service connection for a lumbar disability due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD, tinnitus, and other service-connected conditions are currently rated based on their severity.,Service connection for hypertension is remanded due to the need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete records and the need for a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hip, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disorders.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to his in-service back injury, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeals were denied as his conditions did not warrant higher ratings under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability and knee conditions, as well as his TDIU claim. The examination should consider functional loss during flare-ups.

The claim for service connection of a low back disorder has been reopened, but the evidence does not support its grant.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hepatitis C is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain. The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran had these conditions, and his current symptoms were not severe enough to warrant higher ratings.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including a back disability and bilateral knee and left shoulder disabilities. The effective dates are set at February 13, 2014.

The claims for TDIU and an increased rating for major depressive disorder are being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence. Additional VA treatment records, including those from non-VA providers, need to be obtained.