Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the service-connected right knee disability caused or aggravated the low back condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left knee osteoarthritis, and right knee osteoarthritis were denied. Separate 10% ratings were granted for slight subluxation and instability in both knees.

The Veteran's appeals for an initial compensable rating for left index finger laceration with scar and an effective date earlier than February 20, 2013 for the grant of service connection for left index finger laceration with scar have been withdrawn.,The Board has remanded cases involving entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, a rating in excess of 10 percent for DDD L5-S1, and a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to September 1, 2018, and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter for GERD.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is now rated at 40 percent for the period since July 6, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a new examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's low back disability, as the current VA examiner's opinion is inadequate due to its failure to consider the Veteran's lay statements about ongoing symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, finding that there was no evidence of chronic disease or continuous symptomatology since service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have a current disability due to an in-service injury.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, finding that there was no evidence of chronic spine or back disorder during service or within one year of separation. The Board also found that arthritis did not manifest until many years after service.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and TDIU due to lack of evidence showing a worsening in service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Veteran's back disability, not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident in service, is denied.,A current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes has not been shown.,The Veteran’s tinnitus, not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident in service, is denied.,The competent and credible evidence does not reflect a diagnosis of cataracts.,The Veteran's hypertension, not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident in service, is denied.,The competent and credible evidence does not reflect a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia.,The competent and credible evidence does not reflect a diagnosis of a sinus disability.,The Veteran’s thyroid disability, not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident in service, is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic lumbar degenerative disease with secondary multiple level disc degeneration, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, as well as headaches. The Veteran's back disability is related to his in-service injury, while the claim for headaches remains pending due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and right ankle disability should be remanded to allow for further review by VA.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection due to the appellant's death.

The Board dismissed the appeal because no substantive appeal was filed for the increased rating claims of PTSD and back disability, and the service connection claim for sleep apnea has been granted.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for hammertoes and lumbar spine disabilities due to conflicting evidence regarding the presence of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral strain, right knee strain, and right shoulder strain are related to his service. The decision is based on evidence showing these conditions began during his active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disability and bilateral ankle disabilities, finding that the Veteran's conditions preexisted service but were aggravated by in-service physical training and lifting. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has granted service connection for both the thoracolumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability, finding that these conditions began during active service or are related to in-service injuries.

The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis, was granted service connection. The other claims for psychiatric disorder, hypertension, sleep apnea, left shoulder disability, and left knee disability are remanded.