Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his lumbosacral strain and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities are being remanded as the current evidence is insufficient to make a determination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The case is remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine, left knee, and stomach conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of a VA examination for the Veteran's lower back disorder, as it is related to his military service. The Veteran will need to undergo an examination and provide medical opinions regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Veteran's lumbar DJD is rated at 20 percent effective January 31, 2014. The Board found that the disability picture most nearly approximates a 20 percent rating.

The Board has remanded several of the Veteran's claims due to new evidence not previously reviewed by the RO.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic back disorder was denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim.,Service connection for cardiovascular disease (to include hypertension) was also denied, with no indication of an in-service event or disease that could be linked to the condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient rationale in the VA examiner's opinion regarding the Veteran's back disability. The AOJ is instructed to obtain an addendum opinion from a VA examiner that addresses the continuity of the Veteran’s relevant symptomatology since service and whether additional evidence or medical expertise would assist in substantiating a nexus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board has remanded these cases for further development.

The Veteran's initial rating of 10 percent for his service-connected cervical strain is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and an updated VA examination.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, hypertension, and low back disability. The Veteran's appeal regarding an earlier effective date for service connection of generalized anxiety disorder, as well as his claims for OSA, GERD, a respiratory disability, and a sinus disability are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for low back and left knee disorders, finding no current diagnoses or functional impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for restoration of a 40 percent evaluation for service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted, while his appeal for an increased rating remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent prior to December 27, 2018 and at 70 percent thereafter. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For the period starting from December 27, 2018, the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's application to re-open his claim for service connection for history of back injury is granted. Service connection for a history of back injury is denied. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear National Guard service and lack of a VA examination addressing the lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities which were considered static in nature reached a combined evaluation of 100 percent as of July 1, 2006. The Board found that the criteria for establishment of basic eligibility to Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits were satisfied as of this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a combined total disability rating greater than 100 percent, finding that his service connected disabilities already warranted a 100% combined rating.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma, bilateral hip disability, left knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, low back disability, neck disability, and acquired psychiatric disability as they were not caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee, hip, and back disorders as they are not related to active duty service or a service-connected disability.