Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability, finding that his current condition is related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for pseudo folliculitis barbae (PFB), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Service connection was denied for a back disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10% prior to November 14, 2017. The Board found that a higher rating of 20% is warranted for the appeal period prior to November 14, 2017. The case is remanded for further development including extraschedular consideration and a new VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for all issues related to her service-connected conditions, including evaluations for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves in both lower extremities, and acne. As a result, the Board dismissed these claims.

The Veteran's service did not qualify him for higher Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) education benefits due to his discharge from active duty not being due to a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and remanded the issue for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a back condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with depression and schizoaffective disorder, are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, low back, left knee, right knee, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities. The Veteran's current diagnoses were not related to his service.,Service connection was also denied for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has decided that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lower back condition and nerve damage secondary to a lower back condition. The case is being remanded for additional examinations and records.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than May 31, 2015 for service-connected disorders was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not submit a timely application for benefits prior to his discharge from active duty on May 30, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and hypertension (HTN) due to a lack of an SOC addressing the cervical spine claim. The VA is directed to issue an SOC on this matter and obtain all relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records from VA facilities.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance/housebound status is denied because he does not meet the necessary requirements under 38 U.S.C. § 1114.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and lumbar radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities have been granted. The Board found that there was a causal relationship between the Veteran's in-service injuries and his current disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disability, back disability, chronic sinusitis, chronic allergies, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate August 2017 VA examination findings and an insufficient statement of reasons or bases regarding functional loss.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected, but his obstructive sleep apnea is found to be aggravated by PTSD.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus and a lower back condition are denied. Service connection for cervical spondylosis (claimed as neck condition) is remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome is rated at 20 percent prior to September 8, 2018 and from that date onwards. The left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent. Service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus has been reopened but denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to potential outstanding private treatment records and an addendum opinion is needed regarding the relationship between the Veteran's low back condition and his service-connected knee condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The case is also referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular TDIU consideration.