Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, right knee, and left hip disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Veteran's back disability, psychiatric disorder including PTSD, and skin disorder are all found to have their onset in service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 100 percent rating, her DDD lumbar spine is granted a 40 percent rating, and her asthma is granted an initial 60 percent rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has found that new and material evidence has been submitted to support his claims of lumbar back disability secondary to leg disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for GERD is also granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), lumbar back disability secondary to leg disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder are all granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for chronic bilateral costochondritis is granted. The Board also remanded several other issues due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for DDD of the lumbar spine and lumbar strain, an acquired psychiatric disorder (previously claimed as PTSD), and obstructive sleep apnea. Service connection was denied for multiple myeloma.

The Board has found that a 10 percent rating is warranted for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability throughout the appeal period. The right and left ankle disabilities are remanded due to incomplete development of records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is due to service and grants her claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence being added to the record and the need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claim for restless leg syndrome is granted. The claims for initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for acquired psychiatric disorder, cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, fibromyalgia, and hypothyroidism post right hemithyroidectomy are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has determined that the VA treatment on February 19, 2014 may have exacerbated a preexisting lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, left knee meniscal tear, and left knee arthritis with instability are also being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his gastric ulcer, hiatal hernia, and excision of lipoma of the stomach with no residuals are denied. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder due to in-service injury.

The appeal for service connection for a left eye disorder is denied. Appeals for right foot, elbow, wrist, and knee disorders are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches and remanded the issues of obstructive sleep apnea, lumbar spine disorder (including low back pain, lumbosacral strain and intervertebral disc syndrome), and hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back condition and residuals of asbestos exposure have been granted. The claims for left knee condition, residuals of asbestos exposure, dermatitis, and sleep apnea are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran is not in need of aid and attendance solely due to his service-connected conditions, but also requires assistance from nonservice-connected conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability due to new and material evidence, but remanded for further development as there are conflicting medical opinions regarding the cause of his disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disorder is related to his service, and thus granted service connection for this condition. The issue of a higher rating for thoracolumbar spine disability remains pending and requires additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine disability, deviated nasal septum, and obstructive sleep apnea due to incomplete service records and lack of medical opinions addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied as a matter of law due to the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The claim for TDIU has also been denied.