Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic sinusitis, low back disability (claimed as chronic low back pain and disc disease), and depressive disorder has been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, a back condition, and a right knee condition have been reopened. The cases are being remanded to determine the nature of these conditions and their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for service-connected right foot strain and back disabilities due to incomplete development of records, lack of compliance with prior remand directives, and need for a retrospective medical opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected lower back condition is granted an increased rating of 20 percent, effective November 6, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's low back disability. The claim is reopened, but service connection remains on appeal.

The Board has decided the case in favor of the Veteran, finding that his sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected disabilities and will be remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for stomach problems, colon problems, and lumbar strain residuals due to potential service connection based on exposure to herbicides. The cases will be reviewed with updated VA treatment records and a comprehensive examination.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, but denied service connection for his left eye and bilateral foot disabilities. The decision also remanded issues regarding a left knee disability.

The Board has remanded multiple service connection claims for various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, as well as a claim for an initial disability rating for generalized anxiety disorder. The Veteran is to be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability has not been rated higher than 20 percent, and he is granted a TDIU prior to May 18, 2011.,An earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 is remanded due to the interrelated nature with the TDIU issue.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine, finding that there is a continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate opinions in his VA examinations regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction have been granted service connection. Ratings for knee instability are granted, with a TDIU effective January 1, 2011.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and lower extremity radiculopathies. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent since August 17, 2015. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to that date.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with sciatica of the left lower extremity and cervical spondylosis, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise with regard to showing these conditions are associated with the Veteran's service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD with anxiety and depression), sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type 2, and erectile dysfunction. The issues of service connection for these conditions are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical and lumbar spine conditions, as well as neurological disorder of bilateral upper extremities and radiculopathy of bilateral lower extremities. Service connection for erectile dysfunction is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his right foot disability, low back disorder, left knee disorder, and conjunctivitis due to incomplete examinations and lack of consideration of lay evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information from a previous VA examination, and additional development is needed.