Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to a compensable rating for post traumatic headaches, an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral hand tremors, and entitlement to TDIU due to incomplete development.

The Board has remanded the previously denied claims for service connection due to new evidence received, including service personnel records and STRs. The Veteran's psychiatric disorder claim will be reconsidered based on his reported in-service stressors and pre-existing condition aggravation. His back disorder with associated lower extremity disorder and flat feet claims are also being reconsidered.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current disability and an in-service injury or event.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary due to outstanding private treatment records and a need for another VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional development and opinions regarding his back condition, left leg condition, right leg condition, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and TDIU.

The Veteran's sleep disability is characterized by daytime drowsiness resulting in mild and transient decrease in work efficiency. The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran’s back disability, which already includes service connection for his sleep impairment.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as service connected. The remaining issues of service connection for various other conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic low back pain is granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied.

Service connection for a back disability of lumbar strain and a right knee disability of status post patellectomy has been granted.,An increased rating for the right little finger limitation of motion is denied.

The Veteran's left hip disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's dysphasia (trouble swallowing) is remanded to determine its etiology.,The Veteran’s claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease, thoracolumbar spine remains denied.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not originate during or within one year after his military service.,The Board also denied service connection for residuals of an in-service injury to the left-hand ring finger, concluding that there was no nexus between the current condition and service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his military service.

The Board has dismissed all claims for service connection and increased ratings, as the Veteran withdrew his claims in writing.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate opinions in previous examinations and to determine the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral spine disability prior to December 29, 2017 and in excess of 20 percent therefrom. The Veteran's disability was not found to meet the criteria for higher ratings based on limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left hand injury, mouth injury, and traumatic brain injury were denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for degenerative lumbar spondylosis was also denied.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and requires a new one to determine if the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to his service.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disorders, finding that the Veteran's current conditions did not have their onset during or within one year of separation from service, or are otherwise attributable to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as left knee disability are remanded due to new evidence indicating different diagnoses or potential etiologies. The TDIU claim is also being remanded in conjunction with these issues.

The Veteran's low back disability is not rated higher than 20 percent prior to April 11, 2016. From April 11, 2016, the rating remains at 20 percent.