Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability has been reopened and remanded due to the submission of new evidence that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for his lumbar spine disorder are denied, but he is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected lumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected low back strain disability necessitates the use of a low back brace, but there is no clinical or lay evidence showing that this brace causes wear and tear to his clothing. As such, he does not meet the criteria for an annual VA clothing allowance.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition, sciatic nerve involvement of the lower extremities, and bowel dysfunction are being remanded for further development as they may be related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. Additional VA examinations will be scheduled to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development and examination are required before the service connection claims for low back condition, left knee condition, and right knee condition can be adjudicated.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations. The claims include compensation for lumbosacral spine disorder, hip disorders, ankle OA, and facial weakness and biting of the tongue.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied as there is no current disability.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and schizoaffective disorder, is also denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence that the in-service stressor occurred.

The Veteran's back condition is currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating due to limited range of motion and no incapacitating episodes in the past year.,The left lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 10 percent, with mild incomplete paralysis. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: the initial rating for lumbosacral strain with arthritis and the initial compensable rating for hepatitis C. The Veteran's back pain is suspected of worsening, and his hepatitis C symptoms need further evaluation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disorder and neck disorder, but denied both claims as there is no evidence showing that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for a cervical spine disorder and thoracolumbar spine disorder due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection. The Veteran's pre-existing lumbar spine disorders are presumed to have existed prior to his entry into active duty, but further examination is needed to determine if they were aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for back disorders and right lower extremity disorders have been reopened, with the effective date being September 3, 2010.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to inadequate examination reports and missing treatment records.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for left knee pain. However, it denied service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome with disc herniation, lumbar spine and for both right and left knee pain.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected chronic thoracic sprain is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a dermatological condition was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the claimed condition.,The Veteran's DJD right shoulder was granted service connection based on in-service injury and continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted.,Service connection for left and right knee disorders is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his functional impairment caused by his service-connected disabilities, particularly DDD of the lumbar spine. The examiner should consider the impact on his ability to function in an occupational environment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a low back disability and left ankle condition due to potential issues with the current evidence of record, including lack of recent medical examination and possible aggravation by his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board has remanded two issues: the first is about a disability rating for lumbosacral strain, and the second is about compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for amputation of the right index finger.