Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis and bilateral foot disorder are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board's decision partially vacates the October 2019 decision, as it did not have jurisdiction over the issue of service connection for a low back disability and violated due process.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and asthma. The claim of service connection for a low back disorder is being remanded.,The Veteran was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type II, but her obesity did not cause it. Her current diagnosis of asthma does not have an in-service onset or relationship to her service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a low back disability, left knee radiculopathy, and left knee instability due to insufficient examinations in previous decisions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's low back disability. The claim will be reviewed again with a new opinion considering all evidence, including positive nexus opinions from the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development and examination to address the issues of service connection for various conditions, including sleep disorder, damaged teeth/TMJ disorder, acid reflux disorder, right ear condition/right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, low back disorder, and left wrist disorder.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, TBI residuals with MDD, and cervico-genic headaches are all granted increased ratings. The Veteran is entitled to a 30 percent rating for his cervico-genic headaches.

The Board denied service connection for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine disorders, as well as bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted after September 2005.,Service connection was not granted for any of the claimed conditions.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for migraine headaches, lower back disorder, sleep disorder, and sinus disorder due to new evidence. The claims are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting both lower extremities, have resulted in loss of use of his legs for the purposes of eligibility for specially adapted housing. Additionally, he is eligible for financial assistance for an automobile and adaptive equipment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability, finding no evidence linking his current condition to military service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his lumbar spine DDD should be remanded due to lack of recent medical records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for thoracolumbar spine disability, right lower extremity sciatica, and left lower extremity sciatica have been remanded due to the need for additional examination and analysis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including a lumbar spine disability, bilateral ankle disability, allergies, exophthalmos, an acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypothyroidism.

The Board has granted service connection for low back, right hip, and left hip conditions. The evidence is in equipoise on whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The claims for right lower extremity radiculopathy and acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to need for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for elbow surgery due to nerve damage, severe right leg pain causing inability to walk distances, bilateral foot pain and swelling, shoulder disorder, and low back disorder. The claims were remanded for further examination.,Service connection was not granted for any of the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease with facet arthropathy is rated at 20 percent, and the case is remanded for further development regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's eligibility for financial assistance for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation remains denied.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for service connection for residuals, status post exploratory laparotomy for bowel obstruction and a back disability. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, which grants a higher rating than the current 20 percent rating.,The Veteran is granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.