Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD, anxiety disorder (claimed as a conversion disorder), and chronic depression are all found to be related to his service-connected PTSD. Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is also granted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a low back disability, sleep disorder, and to reopen a claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbosacral strain. The claim will be reconsidered after a VA examination is conducted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's applications to reopen her claims for service connection for residuals of a hysterectomy, lumbar spine disorder, hernia, acquired psychiatric disorder, and IBS. The claims are now evaluated on their merits.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The Veteran's current diagnoses of depressive disorder were not linked to his in-service stressor or service-connected conditions.,Service connection was also denied for a lumbar spine disability. There is no evidence that the condition manifested within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the May 2017 VA examination and the need for a new, more recent evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, neck disability, and hypertension were previously denied. New evidence has reopened the claims for these conditions, but not for hypertension.,Service connection was granted for sleep apnea as secondary to major depressive disorder, and headaches as secondary to major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's mechanical low back pain is currently rated at 10 percent, but a rating of 40 percent is granted from April 24, 2019. The rating for post-operative left anterior cruciate ligament repair remains remanded. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding medical records relevant to the Veteran's claims and has ordered their retrieval. The Veteran is also asked to provide information about any additional private treatment records from his workman’s compensation claim.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are granted as service-connected.,Service connection is established for the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy due to his diagnosed lumbar spine DDD.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and right ear hearing loss, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's current disabilities were found to be related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at a 10 percent rating prior to October 22, 2012 and at a 40 percent rating from October 22, 2012. The right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are both rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the ratings for his radiculopathy claims.

The appeals to reopen claims of service connection for left wrist disability, low back disability, and residuals of skull fracture with seizures are denied. The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for bowel disability is granted.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence being submitted, including VA treatment records and examination reports. The Veteran is asked to provide information about any additional healthcare providers who have treated him for these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for back and neck disabilities. The case will be remanded to obtain medical records, conduct VA examinations, and readjudicate the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back condition, including whether it is related to service or caused by his service-connected knee conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head trauma and PTSD have been successfully reopened, and both conditions are now considered well-grounded. The remaining issues related to the lumbar spine, neurological condition, right knee, thoracic rib area, hip conditions, hearing loss, heart condition/murmur, and high blood pressure remain denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a bilateral leg disability and lumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's back disorder is related to his in-service muscle strain, but there is insufficient evidence to establish this relationship.

The Veteran's lumbar osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease with compressive neuropathy at L5-S1 and IVDS is currently rated as 40 percent disabling, effective February 11, 2009. The Board denied a higher rating based on the lack of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.