Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has decided that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss, low back disability, sinus condition, and stomach condition are related to service. However, due to inadequate examination reports, the claims for hemorrhoids (secondary to stomach condition) have been remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and any acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety, depression, panic attacks) due to new and material evidence. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for various spinal and joint disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD; a rating greater than 30 percent for migraine headaches; and compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss are denied. The Veteran's claims for service connection for gastrointestinal and low back conditions are remanded.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his reported in-service injuries and current symptoms. The claims will be remanded to allow for these evaluations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including cervical disability, low back disability, right knee and left knee disabilities, left ankle and right ankle disabilities, vertigo, and lung/breathing disability. The claims are being remanded due to insufficient competent evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, and low back disorder due to incomplete verification of his military service records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder rotator cuff tear and cervical spine degenerative disc disease were denied as the evidence did not show that he met the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder is not related to his service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, and no service connection was granted or denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee gout, left shoulder DJD, and lumbar spine DJD were denied as the evidence did not meet the schedular criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for type II diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, hypertension (presumptive due to herbicide exposure), bilateral knee strain, acquired psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction, and lumbar strain are all denied. The Veteran's claim for residuals of a left shoulder injury is remanded.,Service connection for the Veteran’s acquired psychiatric disorder is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, claimed as low back strain, is being remanded due to the need for an adequate etiology opinion.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to service, while her back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder are not. The claims for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, migraines (secondary), and gastroesophageal or gastrointestinal disorders are remanded.,Service connection for a back disability is denied due to lack of credible evidence linking the condition to service. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and secondary service connection for migraines and gastroesophageal or gastrointestinal disorders are also remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a low back disability. The claims for service connection for cervical spine, right hip, right knee, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to new evidence received since the last final denial.

The Board has remanded the claims for TMJ, lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU due to incomplete or insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs a new examination for TMJ and an addendum opinion regarding his back condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an upper back disability and granted a 30 percent initial rating for her irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral spine and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, as well as his request for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a left wrist fracture. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to May 3, 2017 and from May 3, 2017 to June 24, 2019. The reduction of the rating from 40 percent to 20 percent effective June 24, 2019 was proper.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a rib and back disability, as well as his claim for an increased rating for erectile dysfunction. The Veteran was previously denied these claims in April 2012 and February 2014 respectively. The appeal is now being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and conduct further examinations.