Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for thoracolumbar scoliosis and left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the scoliosis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including updated VA treatment records and examinations.

The Veteran's petition to reopen previously denied claims for left wrist condition, bilateral ankle tendinitis, and low back condition were granted. The petitions for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to evaluate the relevance of medical literature submitted by the Veteran in support of his claim.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection, including gout, a low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, heart problems, hemorrhoids, scars on the arms, and scars on the legs. The Veteran's service treatment records are not available, and efforts should be made to obtain them from appropriate agencies.

The Veteran's neck disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, is related to his in-service injury. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates related to his right ankle disability have been dismissed. The claims of service connection for cervical strain, low back condition, and left knee condition have all been granted.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus is granted. The issue of a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a low back condition and PTSD, as further examination is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and therefore denied all claims of service connection.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to insufficient evidence or need for additional development. The effective date of benefits is not addressed in this decision.

The Board granted service connection for low back strain with degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, mesothelioma, an abnormal heart disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep apnea, hypertension, metabolic syndrome to include insulin resistant disorder and/or diabetes mellitus, migraine headaches, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and depression secondary to medical condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the relationship between his back and leg disabilities and his service-connected bilateral foot disability. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to determine if these conditions are caused or aggravated by his service-connected foot disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine with sciatica, right hip condition, and left knee condition. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether these conditions were caused by service.

The Veteran's claims for left knee arthritis and low back condition have been granted. The appeal seeking service connection for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric condition, as well as the right knee disability rating claim, are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability prior to May 16, 2011 was granted. The claim for a higher rating on and after that date was denied. Service connection was established for melanoma of the scalp, skin cancer, and sleep apnea. Service connection was not established for colon polyps or bladder cancer.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the severity of her disabilities, including myofascial pain, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, bilateral knee internal derangement, bilateral plantar fasciitis with hallux limitus, and abdominal scars.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including dysthymic disorder with anxiety symptoms, migraine headaches, tinnitus, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, right ear hearing loss, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), preclude her from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU rating based on these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of L3-S1, allergic rhinitis, arterial occlusive disease, and scars were denied. The Veteran's claim for a disability manifested by frequent urination and bowel movements was remanded.

The Veteran's claims for low back condition, bilateral lower extremity disability, left hip disability, vestibular disability (dizziness), and headache have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection has not been established for any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of muscle pain due to insufficient examination findings. The Veteran is seeking service connection for arthritis/degenerative disc disease, sleep apnea, and muscle pain.