Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not service-connected, and the Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder as secondary to his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.,Increased ratings were granted for radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) right lower extremity and left lower extremity from December 7, 2018. The Veteran's femoral nerve radiculopathy was also increased in rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and Lumbosacral Spine Disorder render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, starting from June 22, 2015.

The Veteran's increased disability ratings for lumbar spine DDD and cervical spine DDD have been denied. The rating of 20% has been maintained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU for the entire period on appeal.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a back condition, eye condition, tinnitus, gastrointestinal disorder, migraine headaches, restless leg syndrome, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims that these conditions were related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding his claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a higher rating for DDD of the thoracic spine. The claim for tinnitus remains denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, as his symptoms have increased since the last examination in January 2013. Private medical records are also requested.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of her back disability, residuals of a breast reduction, and chronic tension headaches due to outstanding VA treatment records and further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for elevated triglycerides with high cholesterol has been withdrawn by the Veteran. The remaining issues have been remanded for further examination and evaluation.,The Veteran is entitled to VA examinations to determine if his joint pain/arthralgias, vision problems, hypertension, hemorrhoids, stomach condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder are related to service.

The Veteran's neck DDD disability was granted a 20% rating from April 13, 2009 to December 16, 2010. A temporary total disability rating of two months for convalescence following surgery was also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected deviated septum is linked to his obstructive sleep apnea. His cervical spine disability has been granted as service connected, and the Board finds that there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis for a higher rating on lumbosacral strain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that it is not secondary to his service-connected peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including as the result of exposure to asbestos, has been remanded.,Claims for lower back, neck, and bilateral knee and leg disorders have also been remanded. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for left hip and back disorders have been dismissed due to their death.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate and requires further development to determine if the Veteran's lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's mechanical low back disability has not been manifested by forward flexion to 60 degrees or less, combined range of motion (ROM) not greater than 120 degrees, or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour. The criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee disability, low back disability, bilateral hip disability, and COPD. The evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back condition and hypertension due to insufficient examination findings.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for entitlement to service connection for a low back disability is granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is reopened due to new and material evidence submitted since the last final decision. The Veteran’s PTSD symptoms have worsened, and an updated VA examination is needed to determine her current level of symptomatology.