Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for left ankle sprain and right knee pain (shin splints) was granted. The claim for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is also granted.,Claims for service connection for hallux disability of the right foot, disability affecting the head of the metatarsal right big toe, left knee disability, diabetes mellitus type II, and hypertension were denied.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service-connected, with the onset likely during active duty.,Service connection for a left shoulder disorder secondary to right shoulder strain is denied.

The Veteran's headache disorder is related to service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The issues of service connection for a back disorder, left thigh disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient examination findings and need for further clarification of whether his lumbar spine, left hip, and right hip disorders are related to his military service or secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The back disability claim is remanded for further examination and determination of its relationship to service or his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The appellant's left knee disability, including his total knee arthroplasty, is being reviewed due to service connection claims. His lumbar spine degenerative arthritis case also requires additional evidence.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for migraine headaches, increased rating for lumbosacral strain, and increased rating for obsessive compulsive disorder with major depressive disorder and panic disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and other issues due to incomplete development. The Veteran will need to provide additional VA treatment records, Social Security Administration (SSA) records, and undergo examinations.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, schizophrenia, is granted service connection. Service connection for a back disorder, sleep disorder, diabetes mellitus, type II, and foot disorder (pes planus) are denied.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a low back disability due to conflicting radiology reports from 1983, 1984, and 1985. The Veteran's current low back disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied service connection for a back disability is granted. Service connection for seborrheic dermatitis is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than August 29, 2011 for service connection of moderate chronic lumbosacral strain and bipolar disorder are denied. The cases have been remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, left shin splints, and right shin splints. The claim for hypertension remains denied.,A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran’s in-service treatment caused his current low back disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 40 percent for lumbosacral strain is denied. His claim for restoration of the 40 percent rating, effective May 1, 2015, is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of low back disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and sleep apnea. The issues are being remanded for further development including obtaining updated VA treatment records, scheduling additional examinations, and considering a TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for her left ankle disability, service connection for her left hip condition and back condition as secondary to her left ankle disability, and service connection for her pelvic condition as secondary to her left ankle disability. The AOJ will schedule appropriate VA examinations to address these issues.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at the highest possible disability rating since November 28, 2012. Effective August 15, 2018, he is entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD and additional disabilities that are also service connected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracolumbar spine and right knee disabilities due to new evidence submitted after her prior denial. The examiner will be asked to determine if these conditions are related to service, with consideration given to medication for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders due to insufficient examination findings regarding secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and right knee disability due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.