Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected thoracolumbar spine sprain with degenerative joint disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his back disability, including testing for radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are being remanded due to the need to determine if a VA physician performed the initial cervical spine surgery at a non-VA facility or if the non-VA facility meets the requirements to be considered a VA facility, and whether the Veteran's conditions were reasonably foreseeable events.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to outstanding VA examinations not having been scheduled.

The Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as lumbar disc disease and thoracic spondylosis, is granted service connection.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his claim for TDIU prior to March 13, 2017 was granted.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and a headache disorder, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support these claims.,Service connection was not granted as there is no credible evidence showing any back injury during active duty or any period of qualifying reserve service.

The Veteran's headaches are caused by his service-connected tinnitus and low back DDD, and the Board has granted service connection for these headaches on a secondary basis.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for a low back disorder and remanded it for further examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection. The issues of service connection for loss of teeth, sleep apnea, low back injury, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy (all secondary to a low back injury) are also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected back condition and heart condition are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new examination regarding his service-connected low back and lower extremity neurological disabilities, as there are conflicting reports of symptoms.

The Veteran's diagnosed chronic lumbosacral strain is related to her active duty military service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting evidence regarding the Veteran's employment status, and a need for further development of her current and past employment history.

The Veteran's PTSD and lumbar disc displacement were granted initial ratings of 50% and 20%, respectively, effective July 18, 2017 for PTSD and March 11, 2019 for lumbar disc displacement. The issues regarding higher ratings have been resolved.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various foot, knee, and hip conditions that are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle fracture. The claims will be reviewed again with new medical opinions considering the Veteran's lay statements.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The VA will review these claims again after obtaining updated treatment records and conducting further evaluations.

The Veteran's death was caused by meningoencephalitis, which the Board found to be related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The appeal for VA pension benefits is remanded as the Veteran did not meet the required war-time service requirements. Service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis with olfactory nerve damage and loss of smell, a low back disorder, right hand disorder, and left hand disorder. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible statements about his in-service injuries and ongoing symptoms.

The Veteran's service records do not show any complaints, treatment, or diagnoses for left clavicle and right ankle disorders. The only evidence of these conditions is a post-service motor vehicle accident in 2007.,For cervical spine, lumbar spine, and knee disorders, the Veteran has current diagnoses but there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with some issues being remanded for further review.