Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's low back spondylolisthesis is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's tinnitus was incurred during service and is granted.,There is no evidence of a current left toe disability, denial for this issue.,The Veteran does not have a current back disability, hypertension, or erectile dysfunction related to service. Denial for these issues.,The right foot condition is attributed to diabetes mellitus rather than service. Denial for this issue.,The Veteran's chest pain (heart disability) was likely due to his pre-existing GERD and not service-related. Denial for this issue.,No rating assigned as the claims are denied.,No rating assigned as the claims are denied.,No rating assigned as the claims are denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for service-connected low back disability was granted, and he received a 10% rating. The VA increased the rating to 40% effective February 25, 2014, based on his current symptoms. He also received separate ratings for associated lumbar radiculopathy of each lower extremity (RLE and LLE).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities have been reopened, but both conditions were denied as not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for a low back disorder should be remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vision loss is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for a lumbar spine condition, claimed as lower back disc problem, is denied due to lack of in-service incurrence and continuity of symptomatology after discharge from active duty.,Service connection for bilateral knee pain is denied because there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's statements are too vague to suggest an in-service event or injury.,Service connection for hypertension is denied as the condition did not manifest within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vision loss is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for a lumbar spine condition, claimed as lower back disc problem, is denied due to lack of in-service incurrence and continuity of symptomatology after discharge from active duty.,Service connection for bilateral knee pain is denied because there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's statements are too vague to suggest an in-service event or injury.,Service connection for hypertension is denied as the condition did not manifest within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder is remanded due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.,The Veteran's PTSD rating remains at 50 percent, but her TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has decided that the VA needs to gather more information about whether the Veteran's cervical and thoracolumbar spine disorders are related to his service. The examination is needed to determine if these conditions began during or were caused by his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU due solely to his service-connected back disability has been granted from October 30, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for urinary bladder cancer status post resection is granted.,The claims for respiratory disability and low back disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were reopened, with the new evidence showing current diagnoses of these conditions. Service connection was granted for both.,Service connection for a back disability was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection of low back pain and remanded other issues related to heart disease, hearing loss, radiculopathy, and TDIU. The Veteran's claims are pending due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for sinusitis, emphysema, anxiety disorder, depression, back condition, jaw condition, and degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder are being remanded due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for malaria, foot disability, ankle disability, lumbar spine disability, and general arthritis due to outstanding treatment records and additional examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability claimed as low back pain and granted service connection for chronic heartburn. The Veteran's low back condition was not shown to be related to service, while his heartburn is considered to have started in service.

The Veteran's low back disorder is granted service connection.,Service connection for a heart disorder is denied.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and initial disability ratings. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a right hip disability (claimed as right knee), right shoulder tendonitis, patellofemoral syndrome, and migraines are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to new evidence submitted that relates to the unestablished facts necessary to reopen his previously denied claims. The low back and right foot disabilities are related to an in-service incident, but the left foot disability is not.