Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease L3-4, L4-5, L5-S1 was evaluated as 10 percent disabling prior to February 9, 2015, and as 20 percent disabling on and after that date. The Board denied a higher initial rating for the disability.

The Board has remanded four issues related to service connection for various disabilities, including a bilateral arm disability, back disability, disfiguring scar of the forehead, and burn scars of the right arm. The decision is pending further action by the Veteran's current representative.

The Veteran's back condition is being remanded for a new examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, including any associated radiculopathy. Additionally, TDIU benefits are also being remanded due to potential changes in disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disorder and back disorder should be remanded due to new evidence received since the last final denial of his claim. The right shoulder disorder may have been related to an in-service fall, but further examination is needed to determine this. The back disorder was not shown during service or within one year after separation, and there is no medical evidence linking it to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for further examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the service connection claim for ingrown toenails. The Veteran's bilateral shin splints are currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but there is no indication of additional knee or ankle disability, nonunion of the tibia or fibula, or moderately severe muscle impairment. The Veteran’s erectile dysfunction is currently rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's request to reopen the claims for service connection for mild DDD with disc protrusion L5-S1 and plantar fasciitis is granted. The Board has remanded both issues due to a need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ddd of the lumbar spine and a scar, secondary to plantar warts was denied. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted an initial 30 percent rating. His hallux valgus status post right bunionectomy with arthritis and scars status post bilateral bunionectomy were both denied. His plantar warts of the right foot claim is pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disability due to insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran is entitled to a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions, including whether they are related to service or any period of ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's back disability and any associated radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a lack of VA Compensation and Pension examinations, insufficient lay evidence, and need for medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a traumatic brain injury was denied. His claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain with mild degenerative disc disease was also denied. The Board remanded his claims for service connection of left hip, right hip, and left knee disabilities as well as the TDIU claim prior to June 25, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and anxiety disorder was granted. Service connection was also granted for tinnitus, but denied for multiple fractures in hands and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease were denied. The case is remanded due to the need to develop evidence related to bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back condition and knee conditions. The primary reasons for remand are due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature of the Veteran's back condition and the current severity of his left and right knee disabilities.

The Veteran is granted effective dates of March 6, 2014 for service connection for PTSD, tinnitus, IVDS, and radiculopathy associated with IVDS.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for all issues on appeal due to the Veteran's testimony and submitted evidence. The claims are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's multiple disabilities are being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their etiology, as the current evidence is insufficient to determine if they are related to her exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination regarding whether the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his service-connected sciatica, specifically the L5-S1 disc bulge requiring a discectomy in service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, treatment records review, and consideration of all evidence.