Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions related to PTSD and herbicide exposure. The Board has remanded these issues due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran is seeking TDIU, but this claim is dismissed as moot since he already receives a 100% disability rating for his PTSD.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as incurred in service. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, low back disability, and neurogenic claudication are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened due to new evidence. Effective September 22, 2014, the Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus and PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back, left knee, and right knee conditions due to in-service injuries.

The Veteran's request to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability was granted. However, the claim for service connection itself remains denied.,Service connection for right knee arthritis is also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability and lumbar spine DDD have been granted service connection, but the initial rating for lumbar spine DDD remains at 20 percent. The claim is remanded to obtain a new VA examination for the lumbar spine DDD.

The Veteran's combined rating for his spinal disabilities is currently at 50 percent. The Board has determined that there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes, which are required for a higher rating under the General Spinal Formula or IVDS Formula.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine disability and prostate condition, finding no evidence to support a current disability or a link between the conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right knee disability, and back disability have been granted. The Board found that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for a left ankle disability and remanded the issue of an increased rating for a back disability.

The Board has found that the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, COPD, and lung disability are not related to service or herbicide agent exposure. The blood disorder affecting the right arm is presumed due to herbicide agent exposure.,The right-hand Dupuytren's contracture is not related to service or herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for a back disorder, heart disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to additional medical inquiry and consideration of new evidence.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The evidence did not show the Veteran had these conditions during or after service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including DM, esophageal condition, hypertension, LLE radiculopathy, RLE radiculopathy, lumbar DJD with IVDS, and sleep apnea, were all granted effective May 24, 2013. The Board found that there was no earlier claim received prior to the Veteran's most recent period of active service (March 2012 to May 2013).

The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection and entitlement to TDIU as the Veteran passed away before a decision could be made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral ankle condition and whether to reopen his claim of service connection for a lumbar spine condition is being remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot condition (plantar fasciitis) and cervical spine condition (claimed as C3 and C4 disc herniation with mild central stenosis) is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to incomplete development, including obtaining VA treatment records, non-VA mental health treatment records, lay statements, and income verification. The Veteran is also advised that he should provide a current address if available.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient examination reports and potential need for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination for the Veteran's low back condition, which includes degenerative disc disease and removal of an osteoblastoma. The examiner is needed to determine if these conditions are related to military service, including herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate development and the need for additional medical opinions.