Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for reopening the previously denied service connection for low back strain was granted, and he is now entitled to a compensable evaluation for his left shoulder disability.,An effective date of May 25, 2012, was assigned for the grant of service connection for residuals of rotator cuff tear with degenerative arthritis (left shoulder disability).

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, cervical spine disability, migraine headaches, and neurological disabilities of the upper extremities have been granted service connection. The Veteran has also received increased ratings for his migraine headaches and a TDIU effective July 2014.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for her service-connected neck, right upper extremity, thigh, shoulder, and thoracic spine disabilities have been denied. The evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb sprain, service connection for a low back disorder, and service connection for a right knee disorder are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, as well as whether it is related to service or her right hip disability.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for a more definitive examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back and left ankle disorders due to new evidence received within one year of a previous denial. The VA is instructed to obtain relevant Army Reserve treatment records, and provide the Veteran’s file to an examiner with appropriate expertise to opine on the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there is no causal relationship between his lumbar spine condition and either his active duty service or his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for lumbar spine disability, service connection for diabetes mellitus and sleep apnea, and TDIU have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's claim to reopen the service connection for a low back disability is granted. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and obstructive sleep apnea need further examination to determine if there is a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's low back disability and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities have been granted increased ratings, with a 40% rating for her low back disability from March 29, 2006 to May 17, 2012. The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU effective May 17, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is related to his military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, neck disability, left index finger wart, right shoulder disability, and right quadricep muscle tear or right knee disability due to the lack of evidence showing current disabilities.,Service treatment records document injuries but do not show chronic conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings, service connection claims, and a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) have been dismissed due to his death.

Service connection for PTSD, right upper extremity neuropathy, left upper extremity neuropathy, and jungle rot (skin rash and groin rash) is granted. Service connection for back condition, hypertension, headaches, and sleep disorder remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further medical opinions. The claims include bilateral knee, shoulder, back conditions, bladder condition (due to herbicide exposure), and an acquired psychiatric condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hand disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right knee pain, sciatic nerve condition, lumbosacral strain, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and migraines are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, to include PTSD, and a lumbar spine condition are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date of February 16, 2006 for the award of service connection for a cervical spine disability was granted. The issue of entitlement to initial ratings for his low back and migraine disabilities remains pending.