Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's radiculopathy and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are being remanded for further evaluation. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities are service-connected as they arose from in-service injuries, including combat operations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lower lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating as his range of motion testing showed limited flexion and no additional limitation due to flare-ups.,The Veteran’s right hip torn labrum and Lichen simplex conditions were remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance from October 22, 2010. The Board found that his conditions, including low back disability and polyneuropathy, made it necessary for him to have regular assistance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting diagnoses and lack of clarity on whether his right ankle injury could have caused or aggravated his back conditions.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and evaluations are needed for the Veteran's service-connected conditions, as well as to address his claims regarding PTSD and major depressive disorder. The appeals will be remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss is not rated higher than the current noncompensable level.,Right ear hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's low back disorder, diagnosed as lumbosacral strain, is related to his military service.,Resolving all doubt in the Veteran’s favor, his sleep apnea began in service.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, right shoulder impairment, and bilateral knee condition. The Veteran's claims were not supported by competent evidence linking his current conditions to military service.,There is no medical evidence or credible lay statements indicating that the Veteran's current spinal disorders or right shoulder impairment are related to his time in the military.

The Board has granted clothing allowances for the year 2016 due to the Veteran's use of low back brace, left knee brace, and skin medications affecting his upper and lower extremities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral tinnitus. The Board found that there was no evidence of chronic back symptoms in service or within one year after separation from active duty, and concluded that the current low back disability is not related to service. For hearing loss and tinnitus, the Board noted that the earliest clinical diagnosis was over 40 years post-service, and the VA examiner opined against a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to his death prior to the issuance of an appellate decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right hallux valgus, finding that it is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected left foot disability. The case is remanded for further examination and rating considerations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected hepatitis C, lumbosacral disc degeneration with narrowing, diabetes mellitus, and PTSD are all denied. The Veteran is not granted higher ratings for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, right arm disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and chest pain, require further development due to a lack of medical examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted, with a rating of 20 percent assigned for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine effective June 16, 2008. The issues related to left leg radiculopathy and right leg radiculopathy have also been resolved in his favor.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and obstructive sleep apnea, as well as his claim for a respiratory disorder due to in-service herbicide exposure. The low back disability claim is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs to be examined by VA to determine if his conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and the Board has remanded to obtain a new examination to determine if his condition warrants a higher rating.