Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with spasm is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted based on evidence of worsening symptoms. The case is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to determine the nature of the Veteran's diagnosed scoliosis and whether it is related to service. The case will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar degenerative disc diseases have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent each, effective March 14, 2012. The conditions are rated based on their direct impact without any presumption or secondary service connection.

The Board has granted reopening of the claims for service connection for a back condition, bilateral knee disabilities, and peripheral vestibular disorder. The claim for service connection for a right tibia disability remains denied.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine, right hip, upper back, knees, and ankles disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service records did not show any complaints or diagnoses related to the claimed knee and ankle issues. The Veteran's separation examination found no current medical problems.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for right ear hearing loss for VA purposes and to verify his dates of Reserve service. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, as there are indications that it may have worsened.

The Board denied service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, bilateral shoulder impingement syndrome, and DDD/DJD of the lumbar spine as they are not related to service or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disorder and to obtain additional private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records. The issues of service connection for various conditions are pending.

The claim for service connection of a low back disorder has been reopened, and the case is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the right hip disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current lower back disability and left hammer toe are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including low back disorder, bilateral leg disorder, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, schizoaffective disorder, and sleep apnea. Additional records are needed to support these claims.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and headaches. The Veteran's claims were not supported by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for DJD of the left hip with thigh impairment, limitation of flexion, and limitation of extension have been denied. The claim for a compensable rating for lumbar radiculopathy has been remanded.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition did not undergo an increase in disability during his active duty service and was not aggravated beyond its natural progression.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease in service or within a presumptive period, and that continuity of symptomatology was not established. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have a medical nexus between his current condition and an in-service injury.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for lumbar degenerative joint disease, bilateral hearing loss, and left ear hearing loss due to new evidence received. The claims are granted as they relate to current disabilities that may be related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims related to hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as for service connection for various disabilities. The Veteran will be provided another opportunity to obtain private medical records and participate in a VA audiological examination.