Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a right shoulder condition, low back condition, bilateral pes planus, left foot hallux valgus, left lower extremity shin splints, PTSD, and adjustment disorder with depressed mood due to new and material evidence.,Service connection is remanded for these conditions as further development may be required.

The Veteran is granted clothing allowances for the 2013 and 2015 calendar years due to his service-connected lumbar spine strain causing wear and tear on his clothing.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and a headache disability, finding that the current conditions are not causally related to service.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was increased from 20% to 40%, effective January 25, 2016. The appeal is remanded due to procedural issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating, TDIU prior to June 24, 2019, service connection for sinus condition, stomach problems, and groin cyst due to missing STRs and lack of VCAA notice regarding alternative sources of evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and service, as well as its relation to his right hip disability.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development, including obtaining SSA records and any additional examinations or opinions as needed. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have a current disability of the neck, bilateral foot, back, or psychiatric (PTSD) conditions. The claims for service connection are denied.

The claims for service connection and rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD are remanded. The claims for bilateral hand tremors, speech disorder, memory disorder, and TDIU are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions and records, particularly from Dr. David Barba who performed the Veteran's spinal surgery in January 2010.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and diabetes mellitus have been granted service connection. The Veteran's right shoulder, left shoulder, and cervical spine disabilities are denied as not related to service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased initial ratings on multiple conditions have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Veteran is seeking a higher rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease. The Board has dismissed the issue of a temporary total rating, but has remanded the case to assess the severity of the service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should be provided VA examinations to assess the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected low back strain, cervical spine disabilities, left shoulder rotator cuff, left arm soft tissue injury with tendon involvement, migraine headaches, and hypertension. The evaluations will help determine if an increased rating is warranted for these conditions.

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

Service connection is granted for obstructive sleep apnea and lumbar spine disability.,The Veteran's right shoulder and bilateral knee disabilities are remanded due to the lack of relevant medical records.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no service connection or rating decisions were made.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disease as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower back disorder. The appeal for an increased rating of left knee degenerative joint disease was withdrawn.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, both secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability. However, the Board found that there is no evidence linking these conditions to service or aggravation by the service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the need for a VA examination in accordance with Correia v. McDonald, 28 Vet. App. 158 (2016). The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected spondylosis L5-S1 with degenerative disc disease will be remanded for further development.