Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to July 26, 2018 was denied. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD from July 26, 2018 forward is also denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and low back condition were reopened due to the submission of new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability. The examiner did not address all favorable evidence and provide adequate rationale.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,The Board finds that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder, including somatic symptoms disorder, and whether it is related to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision on whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen his claim for service connection of a back disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The appeal for higher ratings for lumbar spine spondylolisthesis is denied. The appeals for service connection and initial ratings for lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and low back disabilities, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his active service.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated in service, as there was no evidence of hearing changes during service. Right knee disability and low back disability were also not incurred or aggravated in service.,Right knee disability and low back disability were not incurred or aggravated in service, as the Veteran did not report any such issues at separation from service.

The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for service-connected right toe hallux valgus, lumbar spasm, right and left thigh radicular pain, and GERD and cirrhosis of the liver due to additional evidence obtained since the last adjudication.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for cracked ribs has been denied as there is no evidence of rib removal or resection without regeneration.,Service connection for lung conditions (COPD and Bronchiectasis) and back condition (Cracked Vertebra and Degenerative Joint Disease) are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.,Cold injury residuals of bilateral feet, hands, and face have been remanded as there is insufficient evidence on file to determine if they are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for L5-S1 degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the failure to attend a scheduled examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hip and knee disabilities, as well as a lower back disability, due to lack of VA treatment records from July 2015 until December 2018. The Veteran's death during the appeal process means these claims are still pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of DDD of the lumbar spine, left ankle disorder, and left foot disorder. The decision found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for DDD of the lumbar spine. It also determined that there is no current disability for left ankle or foot disorders.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities due to a lack of STRs, and the need for further examination.

The Board has denied service connection for back disability, lower intestinal disorder (IBS and diverticulosis), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety and panic disorders. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Board found no credible evidence linking the Veteran's current diagnoses to her military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability as secondary to the Veteran's right knee disability, finding that his right knee disability caused or aggravated his low back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his hip, knee, and leg conditions. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if any current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the April 2018 remand directives have not been substantially complied with, and the Veteran's thoracolumbar disability claim and lower extremity radiculopathy claims are therefore being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary due to the Veteran's incarceration and the failure of VA to properly schedule examinations. The appeals for service connection, rating, and hearing loss are all remanded.