Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's frequent headaches are granted a separate evaluation of 30 percent. The Veteran’s cervical strain with degenerative disc disease and bilateral neural foraminal narrowing is remanded for an increase rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with spondylolisthesis L5-S1. The claims for service connection for arthritis of the hands, legs (to include knees), and feet are remanded due to lack of a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient development and evaluation of his conditions. The initial compensable rating claim is denied, and the thoracolumbar spine disability claim is also remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection as his appeal is moot due to his death.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right plantar fasciitis since March 12, 2010 has also been dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left shoulder disorder, low back disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder. The hypertension claim remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for cervical neck/spine disability, right foot disability, and right shoulder disability. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine DJD remains denied.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and a left knee disability, finding that the Veteran did not have chronic disabilities in service or within one year of separation. The current disabilities were found to be unrelated to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus is denied. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and back disability are granted, but the TDIU claim is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional back disability following VA surgery and hospitalization in November 2006, finding no fault on the part of VA or unforeseeable events.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have diagnosed conditions for which service connection can be granted, including shoulder, wrist, lower extremity neuropathy, back, knee, leg, foot, respiratory system, sleep apnea, heart, corns of both feet, headaches and neck conditions.

The Veteran's claim for hypertension, cervical spine disability (claimed as neck or upper-back disability), dizziness, and fatigue have been granted. The cervical spine disability is denied.

The Board has decided that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disk disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded in several areas including separate ratings for radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities and entitlement to special monthly compensation due to a need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine condition is related to his active duty service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spondylolisthesis and neck disability have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for left leg, right leg, left ankle, right ankle, and back disabilities due to the lack of current diagnoses.

The Veteran's service-connected ankle, cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, knee, and migraine conditions are being remanded for additional examinations to assess their current severity.