Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating and TDIU due to inadequate examination reports, specifically regarding flare-ups and range of motion testing. The Veteran's low back disability is rated at various levels based on different time periods.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current disability meeting the VA definition of hearing loss.,Service connection for tinnitus has been granted based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's OSA is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection. The issues of service connection for PTSD and a thoracolumbar spine disorder have been remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and review due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the onset of sleep disorder and low back disorder during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 22, 2017. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether he can secure or follow such an occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations of his left shoulder, low back, and bilateral knee disabilities. The current severity of these conditions will be assessed in order to determine appropriate ratings.

The Board has reopened the service connection claims for hypertension, chronic depression, and chronic lumbar strain. The left wrist disability claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence of a current disability.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issues of increased ratings for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee status post lateral meniscus debridement and synovectomy, and service connection for a back disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and failure to consider all relevant evidence of record, including the Veteran's report of continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of October 1, 2009.

The Veteran's initial rating for a lumbar spine disorder is granted at 40 percent, effective from the date of this decision. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service injury. The claim was reopened due to new evidence submitted since the previous denial.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of current evidence reflecting the current nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected thoracic spine disability. The Veteran is also advised to file any claims for additional disabilities related to his service-connected condition.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a back condition due to new and material evidence, but has remanded it for further development.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar strain disability due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder but has remanded the issues of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, bilateral foot disability, and impotence.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 50% disability rating, and service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The other issues are remanded.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding the date of onset of functional impairment and neurological symptoms.

The claim for service connection of headaches has been reopened and granted. The effective date for the award of service connection for fracture, right (major) fifth metacarpal head is April 2, 1992. The claim for an increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain with scar and history of herniated disc and discectomy remains pending.