Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's broken teeth and degenerative disc disease L4-5 and L5-S1 were not service-connected, and the rating for his degenerative disc disease was denied. The issue of a separate evaluation for neurological impairment related to his back disability is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and the propriety of a reduction in his cervical spine disability rating is being remanded due to inadequate examinations and issues regarding flare-ups.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for further medical examination.

The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened and denied. The claim of service connection for low back disability is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal signs or symptoms are found to be due to an undiagnosed illness and have been granted service connection. The right and left knee, foot and ankle disabilities, as well as the ear drum ruptures and back disability remain pending for further examination and determination.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, right foot pes planus, and left foot pes planus. The Veteran's current diagnoses of degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine were not related to his active service.,Right and left foot pes planus preexisted service and did not increase in severity during service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left shoulder disability, low back disability, and headaches due to new evidence submitted since the November 2005 rating decision. The Veteran's disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran's initial claim for increased ratings was denied, with the exception of a grant of a 50% evaluation for migraine headaches effective from August 9, 2017. The remaining conditions were not granted higher evaluations.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is granted a rating of 40 percent, but not higher, prior to April 10, 2018. A rating in excess of 40 percent for this condition from April 10, 2018 is denied. The Veteran's degenerative arthritis and degenerative joint disease are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbar spondylosis, bilateral hearing loss, and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted. The claim for Gilbert's disease has not met the criteria for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lower back condition, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for chronic lumbosacral strain, right knee disability, left knee disability, and headaches due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 10 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain prior to December 10, 2014 was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain from December 10, 2014 until January 24, 2018 was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 40 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain since January 24, 2018 remains pending and is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prior to December 10, 2014 was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since December 10, 2014 remains pending and is remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service and he is granted service connection.,There is no evidence of left foot fungus beginning during active service or being related to an in-service injury. The claim for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, right foot disability, and back disability have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection has been granted for PTSD with MDD and GAD.

The Board granted the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and PTSD.

The Veteran's lower back disorder is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board has determined that an increased evaluation is warranted due to worsening symptoms. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Veteran's initial claim for a 10% rating for his service-connected left index finger contracture is granted. Service connection for left ear hearing loss is also granted, but right ear hearing loss and other conditions are denied.

The Board has denied service connection for neck and left eye conditions. The case is remanded to determine the etiology of multiple sclerosis, as well as its relationship to other claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, and left knee disorder due to the need for additional medical examination.