Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that there was no evidence of a current diagnosis or functional impairment affecting his earning capacity, and that OSA is more likely caused by obesity after service rather than in-service snoring.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and depression and anxiety, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of right eye injury, left eye loss of vision (now claimed as residuals of left eye knockout), cervical spine condition, and lumbar spine condition due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, a low back condition secondary to shrapnel wounds incurred in service, and a gastrointestinal disorder secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.,The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The claim for a low back disability was denied as the evidence did not establish a causal relationship between the Veteran's current symptoms and an in-service shrapnel wound. The claim for a gastrointestinal disorder was also denied, with the Board noting that the Veteran had never been treated for this condition.,The Board concluded that there was no positive nexus between any of these conditions and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, low back, and neck injuries due to a lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or a link between current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple claims for service connection, with the majority of issues being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination.,Service connection is sought for a variety of conditions including low back disability, right ankle/heel disability, nerve damage of the right foot, neck/cervical spine disability, neurologic impairment of upper/lower extremities, recurrent high fevers, chronic fatigue syndrome, cold intolerance, liver disability, jaundice, prostate disability, kidney disability, blood in urine, frequent urination, Parkinson's disease, spinal meningitis, and chronic headaches.

The claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder is granted. The claims for service connection of left and right knee disorders are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding private treatment records and the need for additional medical opinions regarding his back, hip, knee, and arthritis disabilities as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a higher rating on an extraschedular basis, finding that the schedular ratings adequately reflect his symptoms and disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back condition and PTSD due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for a new VA examination of the Veteran's back disability.

The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary due to the Veteran's complaints of intense pain and functional impairment. The issues on appeal are related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, including its residuals.

Service connection was denied for DDD of the lumbosacral spine, and effective dates prior to January 30, 2014 were denied for service-connected limitations of extension, abduction, and flexion of the left hip, as well as bipolar I disorder with moderate mania.,Entitlement to increased ratings for service-connected conditions was remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus, cervical spine disorder, and lumbar spine disorder. However, further development is needed as the VA examination reports do not provide sufficient information on the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that it is etiologically related to active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for obsessive compulsive disorder and low back pain are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and examination to address her service-connected cervical spine, knee, and foot disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a total rating based on individual unemployability were denied. The Veteran was already receiving the highest possible evaluation for his thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease, and there is no indication of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes that would warrant higher ratings.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for low back disability, and service connection for bilateral knee conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis was rated at 10 percent prior to September 4, 2009. The Board found the evidence did not meet criteria for a higher rating.