Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The claim for service connection for scoliosis is reopened and the appeal is granted to that extent only. The case of a back disability, including scoliosis and degenerative disc disease, is remanded.

The Veteran's cervical spine, left shoulder, multiple scars, and lumbar spine disabilities have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent each. The right hip disability, radiculopathy associated with the cervical and lumbar spine, and a right knee disability are being remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a low back disorder and granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The case is remanded to determine the nature and likely etiology of any back disability, as well as whether it is aggravated by a service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition are all granted. The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing hearing loss was aggravated during service, his tinnitus began within one year of service, and his back condition is related to in-service lifting activities.

Service connection is granted for lumbar DJD and DDD, right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to DJD and DDD. The Board also found that the Veteran's heart disorder, prostate disorder, and hearing loss claims are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including back disability, prostate cancer, left hand middle and ring finger disability, glaucoma, and broken right wrist, were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board dismissed the TDIU claim as moot due to the assignment of a 100% rating for PTSD. The issues of service connection for bilateral pes planus and SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal as he did not file a timely substantive appeal with respect to the July 2012 rating decision, which addressed his claims for service connection for various conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable, and he is granted a TDIU. The low back disability remains remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate consideration of the Veteran's diagnosed compression fracture thoracic spine with mild scoliosis in the July 2019 VA examination report. The examiner is asked to provide an addendum opinion addressing whether it is as likely as not that this condition was incurred during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck, back, right shoulder, right arm neurological, and right hand neurological disabilities due to outstanding VA and private treatment records not being obtained. The Veteran is also required to provide updated Army Reserve service personnel and service treatment records.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was denied initial compensable ratings prior to May 15, 2014 and increased rating as of that date. The appeal for TDIU is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disorders, as well as his upper extremity radicular pain and paresthesias, were not incurred or aggravated during active service.,Further evaluation is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion. The Board found that new evidence has been submitted, but further review of the claims file is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in the VA examiner's opinion regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability is related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain and TDIU has been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's lumbar strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and the right knee strain is rated at noncompensable. The Board has remanded both issues for further development.,The Veteran seeks higher initial ratings for his service-connected lumbar strain and right knee strain.

The Board has ordered remand for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's left foot drag, service connection for traumatic arthritis of the cervical spine, and service connection for traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine. The issues are also remanded for a determination on special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his low back disability was denied. The RO had previously granted a 20% rating, and later increased it to 40%. However, the increase is only effective from May 17, 2019.

The Board dismissed the appeal as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.