Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral degenerative joint disease with scoliosis and radiculopathy of the bilateral sciatic nerves.,Effective dates earlier than October 3, 2013, are granted for the Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral degenerative joint disease with scoliosis and IVDS, radiculopathy of the left sciatic nerve, and radiculopathy of the right sciatic nerve.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back pain and a lung condition were denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, right lower extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, and obstructive sleep apnea was also denied as there is no evidence showing they are related to service.,The Veteran's lung condition (asthma) may be connected to cold exposure during a trip to Alaska in 1971. However, the VA examiner found that his current asthma did not stem from this incident and was more likely due to other factors.

The appeal has been expanded to include all back disorders. The Veteran underwent a VA examination in May 2012, but the accompanying opinion is inadequate and requires further development.

The Board denied service connection for thoracolumbar spine disability due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred or aggravated during active duty, and the absence of a nexus between any in-service injury and current condition.,The Board also denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for hemorrhagic cerebral infarction and residuals because there is no evidence that VA's care caused or significantly contributed to the Veteran’s disability.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and remanded the issue of service connection for the residuals of colon cancer due to exposure in-service.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, finding that the Veteran's current back pain is not related to his military service and was not manifested within one year following separation from service.,The Board granted service connection for a left knee disability, finding that the Veteran's in-service complaints of knee pain are indicative of a chronic condition that first manifested during an active period of service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder and a scar of the right eye due to lack of VA examinations during service, conflicting medical opinions, and missing records.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DJD and DDD, left lower extremity sciatic compression neuropathy, right lower extremity sciatic compression neuropathy, left lower extremity femoral compression neuropathy, and right lower extremity femoral compression neuropathy have been granted increased ratings of 40 percent each.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's low back condition, which may have pre-existed service or been aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination findings and the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's appeals for further development, including obtaining private chiropractic records and scheduling VA examinations for his back disorder and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of various conditions, including left ankle sprain and torn ligaments, has been reopened. His right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent. The claims for lumbar degenerative joint disease, sacroiliac degenerative joint disease, right foot retrocalcaneal exostosis, and a left ankle condition are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70% after October 25, 2016. She also received a TDIU effective from August 1, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examination regarding his thoracolumbar spine disability, specifically addressing flare-ups and functional impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's respiratory disorders and other conditions, including back, neck, and headache disorders. The Veteran is not service-connected for these conditions.

The Board denied the reopening of claims for service connection for various conditions due to lack of new and material evidence, as the submitted evidence was cumulative or redundant.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is restored to a 40 percent rating effective November 1, 2015. The claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 40 percent remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbosacral spine disorder as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability, finding that the preponderance of evidence does not support such a connection.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea, hair loss, and Bell's palsy. The claims for right and left foot disorders, right and left shin splints, and low back disorder are remanded.