Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain, cervical spine degenerative arthritis and disc disease, right knee degenerative joint disease, and left hip strain disorder are all remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not manifest in service or to a compensable degree within one year of separation from active service. The evidence does not support a causal link between the Veteran's in-service injury and his current condition.

The Board has determined that the reduction from a 20 percent to a 10 percent disability rating for post-laminectomy lumbar spine DDD was improper, and has granted the Veteran's claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disorder manifested by memory loss is denied as there is no separate diagnosis of memory loss. The Board has remanded the issues regarding rating higher than 10 percent for lumbar strain with facet arthrosis and spondylosis, service connection for left hip disorder, and service connection for left knee disorder.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for bilateral tinnitus and left ear hearing loss is denied.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for low back disability and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities is remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service connected. The lumbar spine disability and TDIU claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back brace, which causes wear and tear on his shirts, qualifies for an annual VA clothing allowance for the year 2018.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for low back disability with bulging disc due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for medical opinions. The issues include reopening of previously denied claims, entitlement to service connection for right hip disability, and an eye disability.

The Board has vacated the decisions on several service connection claims and remanded them for further development. The issues of back disability, bilateral eye disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, and special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance are all being reviewed due to potential conflicts in evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The case is now back with the Board for further evaluation.

The Veteran's initial rating requests for a higher disability rating were denied. The left shoulder, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and right carpal tunnel syndrome disabilities are rated at the minimum of 10 percent each since February 22, 2016. Service connection was denied for right hip disorder, bilateral tendonitis, right knee disorder, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision, so the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's cervical strain and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine and IVDS have been granted service connection, but his increased rating claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his military service. The Veteran needs to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his lumbar spine disability and neurological disorders. The tinnitus claim has been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar strain is reopened and the issue of entitlement to service connection is remanded.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is found to have begun during her service and granted as a result.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed. The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for a lumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied. The cases for left ear hearing loss, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and low back disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.