Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's low back disorder is rated at 40 percent from July 1, 2011 to August 15, 2018.,Prior to September 17, 2013, the Veteran’s cervical spine disorder was rated at 10 percent. From September 17, 2013, it is rated at 20 percent.,The Veteran's left knee sprain and right knee strain are each rated at 10 percent from July 1, 2011 to August 15, 2018.,Prior to April 5, 2017, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back disorder, sleep disorder, bilateral eye condition, and stomach disorder due to insufficient opinions provided by the VA examiners. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his in-service injuries are considered.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for soft tissue sarcoma, respiratory disorder, diabetes mellitus, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, skin condition (porphyria cutanea tarda), and hypertension have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for these conditions due to the need for further medical examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical spine disability and right upper extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's back condition and sleep apnea were not found to be related to his military service.,His hypertension was also not found to be related to his military service, with the exception of a possible link to PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is being remanded for further examination and rating consideration due to incomplete evaluations of his neurologic manifestations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, specifically his service connection claim. The AOJ is instructed to obtain records from Dr. M. D., the chiropractor, and any other relevant VA treatment providers.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and residuals of cracked ribs and left chest contusions, but remanded the claim for posttraumatic stress disorder.,Service connection was not granted for any condition due to lack of evidence linking current conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar strain disability and denied service connection for a left ankle disability. The lumbar strain is related to the Veteran's 1973 back injury during service, while there is no evidence linking the current left ankle disability to his in-service Achilles tendon injury.

The Board denied an effective date prior to October 3, 2007 for service connection of sleep apnea. The reduction in rating from 20 percent to 10 percent for the Veteran's right hip disability was upheld. The reduction in rating from 40 percent to 20 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was also upheld.

The Board has determined that the Veteran requires additional VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed left shoulder disorder, back disorder, and coronary artery disease. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder as there was no evidence showing the condition was incurred or aggravated during the appellant's period of active duty training (ACDUTRA) from January to May 1985. The claimant provided conflicting statements about when and how she sustained her injury, and the medical records did not support her claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and maintaining gainful employment prior to April 8, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are inextricably intertwined, necessitating remand of these issues. The Veteran will be provided with a VA Form 21-8940 to apply for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his low back disability, as well as claims for TDIU and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status, were denied.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (claimed as high cholesterol), carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand and left hand. The reasons provided were that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, respiratory disorder, and stomach disorder have been granted. The low back claim is remanded due to the need for further examination. The respiratory and stomach disorders are granted based on Gulf War exposure.

The Veteran's claims for right upper extremity thrombosis, PFB, bilateral hearing loss, sinus condition (including sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and sore throat), cervical spine disability with associated left upper extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine disability with associated right lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral arm and hand disability, and residuals of an oral surgery are all denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.