Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's cervical and thoracolumbar spine conditions have not been properly evaluated due to a lack of recent medical examination, and the issue of entitlement to TDIU is inextricably intertwined with his increased rating claims.

The Board denied service connection for chronic pain syndrome as it is considered a symptom of the Veteran's already service-connected lumbar spine strain with disc disease, right knee patellofemoral syndrome with arthritis, and left knee patellofemoral syndrome with arthritis and meniscus tear.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including VA treatment records from Tulsa and a new examination.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back condition is reopened, and the case is remanded to obtain missing STRs and provide a new VA opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizotypal personality disorder was granted. The claims for back disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, heat exhaustion, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) were all denied.,Service connection for the back disability, to include lumbar strain and mild multilevel cervical spondylosis, is not established as it did not have its onset in service or otherwise relate to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease was denied in an October 1995 rating decision. The Board found that the effective date cannot be prior to April 4, 2015 as there is no evidence of a pending claim before this time.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss has been reopened. The Board also remanded the issues of sleep apnea, right ear hearing loss, low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and right thigh paralysis of the external cutaneous nerve.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service, including a March 1983 accident. The separation examination was silent for any spine disorder, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee, right knee, and lumbar spine disabilities. The Veteran's current diagnoses are considered to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back and right knee disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran must be provided with additional VA examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability and Degenerative Disc Disease of the back are denied as service connection is not granted due to lack of evidence showing a direct link to active military service or a service-connected condition.,Service connection for Sleep Apnea, Hypertension (HTN), and Dental Disability characterized as seven missing teeth are also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating. However, his employment difficulties may be due to his thoracolumbar spine disorder and he is being referred for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's current lower back disability is a residual of his service-connected injury. Therefore, the claim for service connection for residuals of a lower back injury is granted.

The Veteran's service connection for scoliosis of the lumbar and thoracic spine, as well as a painful scar related to scoliosis surgery, is granted. The issue of a higher rating for DDD and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for a lumbar spine disability, gastrointestinal disorder, headaches, sleep disorder, right foot numbness, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The VA is directed to obtain updated treatment records, verify periods of active duty, schedule examinations, and consider all relevant evidence in determining the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied as his range of motion did not meet the criteria for a 20% rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and evidence. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, hammer toes, obstructive sleep apnea, neck disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, and tinnitus have been granted. The rating for GERD has also been reduced from 30% to 10%. New evidence was submitted that supports the reopening of these claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine if it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected gunshot wound residuals.

The Board has granted service connection for back disability, right shoulder nerve paralysis, and ringworm as they are considered direct service-connected disabilities resulting from the Veteran's active duty.