Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's left shoulder and back disabilities were not shown to be related to service, but the Board found that his current migraine headaches may be secondary to his service-connected sinusitis.,The Board has determined that further development is needed for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran’s headache disability.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and granted service connection for allergic rhinitis. The lumbar spine disability was not incurred during active duty, while the allergic rhinitis began during service and has been treated continuously since.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine condition was granted a 30 percent rating from October 13, 2016. The disability is rated based on the severity of his symptoms and functional loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disorder is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, respiratory disorder, arteriosclerotic heart disease (ASHD), and PTSD are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions in his July 2016 VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand several service connection claims due to inadequate notice and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, left hip disorder, and right hip disorder. The claim for sleep apnea was granted but secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his lower back disorder is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a fracture of the left hand and remanded other issues due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The remaining issues are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis was rated 10% prior to February 11, 2015 and not higher. The effective date for the assignment of a 20% disability rating is denied.,PTSD service connection was granted with an effective date of February 11, 2015. Prior claims were not adjudicated as they were final due to lack of appeal within one year.,Left ankle degenerative arthritis, partial tear and thickling of anterior talofibular ligament and tenosynovitis posterior tibialis tendon was granted with an effective date of February 11, 2015. Prior claims were not adjudicated as they were final due to lack of appeal within one year.,Left calf muscle atrophy was granted with an effective date of February 11, 2015. Prior claims were not adjudicated as they were final due to lack of appeal within one year.,Left knee strain service connection was granted with an effective date of February 11, 2015. Prior claims were not adjudicated as they were final due to lack of appeal within one year.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current chronic knee disorder or low back disorder, and the Veteran's claims for these conditions are denied. The claims for sciatica, acquired mental disorders, and cystitis are remanded as additional medical examination and opinion are needed.

The Veteran's claim for payment of unauthorized medical expenses incurred during a non-VA hospitalization on January 7, 2015 is granted. The decision was based on the fact that the Veteran had private health insurance (Medicare) covering part of his costs but not all.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back disability and bilateral lower extremity disorders secondary to a low back disability due to outstanding VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected thoracolumbar strain with kyphoscoliosis, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records from Dr. W. G.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent effective June 26, 2015.,A total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted effective June 26, 2015.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before deciding the service connection claim for a back disability.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease was granted a 10 percent rating prior to January 25, 2016 and denied any higher rating as of that date.

The Board denied service connection for post-operative residuals, herniated nucleus pulposus, laminectomy, arthrodesis and fusion involving the lumbar spine and arthritis of the spine as there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal because his May 2014 substantive appeal was not timely filed, and thus the December 2013 rating decision is final.

The Veteran's lower back disability is granted service connection as a manifestation of a chronic unexplained multisymptom illness. Increased ratings are granted for right long finger, index finger, thumb, left long finger, and left index finger disabilities.