Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the pubic symphysis is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted due to lack of limitation of motion and no incapacitating episodes.,The Veteran’s left shoulder disorder, lower back disorder, left hip osteoarthritis, and right hip osteoarthritis are all remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's left ankle scar, back condition, and tarsal tunnel syndrome in the left ankle are all granted. The left ankle scar is rated at a compensable level (10%). The back condition is rated at 20% prior to March 16, 2015, and 30% after that date. The tarsal tunnel syndrome in the left ankle is also rated at 10% prior to March 16, 2015, and 30% thereafter.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability and remanded the claims for PTSD, left index finger fracture, and hepatitis. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left shoulder, left hip, right little finger, and low back disorders due to insufficient evidence in his service treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded several issues, including the rating of PTSD and the issue of sleep apnea secondary to PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for GERD, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and left upper extremity radiculopathy as they were not adequately addressed in previous evaluations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding private medical records and need for additional opinions regarding his claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations and medical opinions are needed for the Veteran's eye disorder, myofascial pain syndrome of the thoracolumbar spine, and PTSD claims due to lack of compliance with regulatory requirements.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent effective July 8, 2009. The rating for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities remains at 20 percent each, while the cervical spine disability is denied.

Service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand is granted.,Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for initial disability ratings in excess of 10 percent for cervical strain and lumbosacral strain due to a lack of recent VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability and granted service connection for PTSD. The remaining issues of service connection for peripheral neuropathy, loss of use of a creative organ, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 related to a back injury are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for a higher rating and temporary total rating for convalescence from left shoulder surgery.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine, right knee, and right hip disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate notice of VA examinations and a failure to comply with previous remand directives. The Veteran is required to attend scheduled examinations or provide proper notice for cancellation.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions and new claims. The Board has determined that a DRO hearing is necessary for the Veteran.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 0 percent, and his low back disability is also rated at 0 percent. Both are denied increased ratings.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for additional VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the severity of her service-connected lower extremity radiculopathy.