Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy were granted, with specific ratings and effective dates provided. The issues of separate compensable ratings for neurologic abnormalities other than radiculopathy, special monthly compensation on the basis of aid and attendance or housebound status, and entitlement to VA compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A § 1151 are still pending.

The Veteran's hypertension and lumbosacral strain claims are being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination for her lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, is denied due to lack of continuity of symptomatology after service and no medical evidence linking it to service. The neck, left knee, and left ankle disabilities are remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including for service connection for various disorders. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection and increased rating claims for various disabilities, finding no evidence of a direct relationship to military service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for low back, tinnitus, right hip, bilateral ankle, and left knee conditions has been granted. The issues of service connection for right hip condition, bilateral ankle condition, and left knee condition have been remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted, but his claims for bursitis, back disorder, and hypertension are remanded due to the need for further medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and disability ratings are not fully informed due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his conditions. The cases are REMANDED for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected low back disability, resulting in the dismissal of this case.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea and for an effective date earlier than September 28, 2016, for the grant of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to insufficient evidence, including recent VA treatment records.

The Veteran's scars of the right lower extremity are granted a rating of 20 percent from April 9, 2018. Service connection for tinnitus is granted. Service connection for a right ankle condition and bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for left foot drop and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the legs. The decision is not clear about the specific reasons for remand, but it indicates that these claims are inextricably intertwined with the informal claim for service connection for lumbar spine radiculopathy.

The Board is remanding several claims for further development, including those related to left knee osteoarthritis and other service-connected disabilities.,Additional medical records are needed to clarify the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions and determine if they are related to her military service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus has been reopened.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. Service connection was not granted for residuals of a head injury, and the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities and bipolar disorder were also denied.

The Board has denied reopening the claim for service connection of neck disability with degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and has denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for low back disability and IVDS. The issue of secondary service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for fibromyalgia and back disability due to new VA examinations and opinions being required, as well as additional VA treatment records. The issue of urinary frequency is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence linking the Veteran's current lower back disability to his in-service injury. The Veteran must provide a more definitive opinion regarding the cause of his back condition.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis is granted as service connected, with the Board finding that reasonable doubt has been resolved in favor of the claimant.