Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for hyperthyroidism and lumbar spine disability are denied. The issue of service connection for a gastrointestinal disability (GERD) is remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability, tinnitus, or back disability due to service. The right knee issue is remanded for additional development.

The Board has denied the restoration of a higher rating for degenerative disk disease, lumbar spine with herniated disks at L4-L5 and L5-S1. The claim for restoration of a 10 percent rating for residual scar status post L3-L4 laminectomy is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence claim is remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected disability.,The Veteran's skin disability claim is remanded for a new examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, or due to his presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.,The Veteran's back disability claim is remanded for an initial examination to assess whether he has a current back disability that is at least as likely as not incurred during active service.,The Veteran's respiratory disability claim is remanded for an initial examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam and/or his reports of exposure to extreme amounts of dust and other elements due to his participation in airlift operations during active service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for tinnitus has been denied as there is no legal basis to award a higher rating.,The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of his right shoulder impingement, lumbosacral strain, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome have all been remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.,The Veteran's appeal for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss has also been remanded as the VA examination was found invalid.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings were denied as the medical evidence did not support the assertions of prior manifestations or higher disability ratings.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain was denied. The rating of 10 percent prior to June 1, 2016, and the current rating of 40 percent since that date were both denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension due to insufficient evidence or incomplete opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee, left knee, and low back disabilities. The claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) is being remanded.,Service connection was established for the Veteran's right knee, left knee, and low back conditions based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's osteopenia, low back and cervical spine disorders, urinary incontinence, and depressive disorder are all granted service connection. The Veteran is also awarded a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all pending appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is denied for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain. The thyroid condition claim must be remanded as the Veteran has not been afforded a VA examination to evaluate this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding whether the Veteran's urinary dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a back disability is reopened. An initial increased rating of 70 percent is granted for his service-connected depression during the entire appeal period, subject to the laws and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical records and need for additional opinions regarding service connection.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's back disorder is related to service and remands for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder NOS is rated at a 50 percent disability rating, effective September 28, 2012. The other issues are not granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluation, service connection, and other issues due to incomplete records and inadequate examination opinions. The Veteran will need to provide additional evidence and undergo further examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were previously denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The reopened claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to service-connected residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service motor vehicle accident.