Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder condition is granted, as new evidence has been submitted that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine condition is denied, as no new and material evidence was received since the final denial of the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found that Gilbert's syndrome, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, gout of the bilateral ankles, feet, and toes, arthritis of the lumbar spine with strain, plantar fasciitis with mild degenerative joint disease (left foot), plantar fasciitis with mild degenerative joint disease (right foot), allergic rhinitis, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease with diverticulitis, and sebaceous cyst were not service connected or warranted increased ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for spondylosis of the lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to this condition.

The Veteran's back condition is granted a 20 percent evaluation for the period prior to December 16, 2011. The Veteran's higher evaluations are denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for a referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration during the period from December 29, 2013, to December 29, 2014.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy conditions due to inadequate examination reports. The issues of entitlement to SMC are also being remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected back condition, to include lumbosacral strain, was denied as the evidence did not show that his spine had a forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees or a combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, left knee, right knee, and left ankle conditions due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain is remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including a new VA examination that complies with recent Court decisions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate development of evidence, including scheduling of VA examinations.

The Board has remanded several claims, including service connection for various conditions and issues related to PTSD, TDIU, and special monthly compensation. Additional development is needed, such as obtaining VA treatment records, Social Security Administration disability records, and verifying in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection of a lower back disability was granted. His claims for hypertension and tinnitus were denied, while his PTSD claim was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is denied as there is no clear and specific etiology.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS, anemia, incontinence, and gynecological conditions due to Gulf War exposure are remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and acquired psychiatric disorders, as well as his claim for a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss. The back and left knee disorder issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and migraines, but denied service connection for a back disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The initial rating for residuals of traumatic brain injury is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased rating of various conditions, including kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, sleep apnea, and lumbar spine disability. The AOJ is instructed to issue a supplemental statement of the case with consideration of all pertinent evidence received since November 24, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability with degenerative arthritis has been dismissed as he withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine prior to May 31, 2016 was granted with an initial disability rating of 20 percent.,For the period from December 1, 2016 onwards, the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine remains denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for low back disability and depression due to the need for additional evidence and a medical opinion.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Both his right and left lower extremity sciatic nerve disabilities are currently rated at 20 percent each, as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.