Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for cervical degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and spondylosis, erectile dysfunction, and headaches.,Reasoning: The Veteran's service treatment records document multiple episodes of neck pain and back strain during service. Post-service x-rays also show degenerative changes.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral knee disabilities and remanded the issue of service connection for low back disability. The decision is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of sufficient evidence. The issues include PTSD and depression, tinnitus, back disability, dental condition, and headaches.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability was reopened, and the claim is now granted. The initial rating for left knee chondromalacia remains at 10 percent, while the initial rating for right knee chondromalacia with posterior horn and meniscus tear remains denied.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his lumbar spine and right shoulder disabilities have been denied, as well as earlier effective dates for these ratings. The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective June 11, 2014.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of back and lung disabilities due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded two issues related to effective dates for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance. The Veteran's appeal is considered timely, but the claims are being referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not currently compensable, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are being examined again due to new evidence, a bilateral foot disability needs to be evaluated, and a back disability requires an updated examination.

The Board denied service connection for low back disorder, erectile dysfunction, spinal stenosis operation scar, left lower extremity numbness in left toes and ache in lower back and pelvis, and right lower extremity numbness in right toes and ache in lower back and pelvis. The claim was also denied as secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability, right eye disability, and left elbow disability. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between the current disabilities and active military service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection are not currently decided.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbosacral strain, left knee strain, right knee strain, and status post fracture of the left tibia/fibula due to inadequate examination reports and failure to consider functional loss.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed due to his death, and no service connection issues are addressed.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, finding that the Veteran's scoliosis preexisted his entrance into service and did not increase in severity during service. The Board also found no evidence of chronic back disability within one year after separation from service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for various disabilities, including PTSD, depression, and peripheral neuropathy. The appellant is asked to provide more information about his periods of federalized National Guard service and any related diseases or injuries.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, a low back disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's back disability and headaches.,Specifically, the examiner should address whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or more probability) that the Veteran’s back disability had its onset in or is etiologically-related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's left knee disorder, resulting from a total knee replacement, is now rated at 60 percent.,The Veteran's low back disorder has been granted a 40 percent rating.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder condition, lower back condition, neck condition, and bilateral knee condition.,Service connection was granted for tinnitus.