Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and anxiety, were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, finding that it had its onset in service and is related to his reported injury during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer has been reopened, but the increased ratings for spondylosis of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the lower extremities remain under appeal.

The Board has found that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder is not related to service, and the claims for right and left elbow disorders and shoulder disorders are remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient reasons and bases in their previous decisions, specifically regarding his lumbar degenerative disc disease and benign prostatic hypertrophy. The issues are being remanded for further examination and consideration of all relevant symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back disability, Mal De Debarqument syndrome (M.D.B.), and bronchial asthma require remand due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's migraines are granted service connection, and the lumbar spine strain with L5-S1 disc protrusion is granted a 40 percent evaluation. The S1 nerve root compression (sciatica/radiculopathy of right lower extremity) remains at 20 percent from September 30, 2014 onwards. PTSD with panic disorder and insomnia is granted a 30 percent initial evaluation prior to January 11, 2011. The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded for further development. Other issues remain pending.

The Veteran's lumbar degenerative joint disease is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his condition, including any flare-ups.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorder NOS, depressive disorder NOS, alcohol abuse, and PTSD are granted. The service connection for degenerative joint disease of lumbar spine is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder has been reopened and granted. The effective date is prior to November 9, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals of the service connection claims for back condition and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee disability, a back disability, and depression due to lack of verification of her claimed in-service injuries and incomplete medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder, including degenerative disc disease (DDD), did not manifest during service or within one year of discharge and is not otherwise shown to be caused by service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board denied service connection for left foot, right foot, left knee, and right knee disorders due to a lack of current diagnoses.,Service connection was also denied for low back disorder and bilateral shin splints as there is no evidence of chronic conditions related to military service.

The Board has remanded several claims for increased ratings and service connection, including those related to the Veteran's bilateral shoulder, elbow, cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, hip, knee, ankle disorders, sinusitis, TBI, tension headaches, PTSD, and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as incomplete examination reports.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left shoulder pain, right shoulder pain, and an increased disability rating for total left knee arthroplasty. The Veteran's claim for a back condition is denied as new and material evidence was not received.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for respiratory and sleep disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease, PTSD, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left shoulder dyskinesis, eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance, and a special home adaptation grant. The appeals are pending further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including back disorder, right thigh disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and respiratory disorder are all denied.,Service connection was not granted for Crohn's disease as the evidence did not establish a nexus to service.