Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea syndrome with CPAP, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral strain disability warrants a rating of 40 percent, but has remanded for further examination to determine if a separate rating is warranted for incontinence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and medical opinion regarding his claimed bilateral foot condition, back condition, and knee condition. The issues of service connection are not addressed as the appeal does not involve a claim for service connection.

The Veteran's low back disability, including right and left lumbar radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, is rated at a 40 percent disability rating for the entire initial rating period.

The Veteran's claims for initial ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, treatment records review, and development of his case. The specific issues include pes planus (left foot), cervical spine disability, bilateral wrist, lumbar spine, bilateral ankle, bilateral hip, right ear hearing loss, sinus/rhinitis/nose bleeds, and dysentery and residuals of food poisoning.

The appeal for a left foot condition is dismissed.,Service connection granted for cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, headache, and left shoulder conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and low back strain with degenerative disc disease with osteophytes and scoliosis, as the evidence is insufficient to determine if these conditions are related to service. The Veteran will need a new VA examination for his hearing loss claim, and all relevant medical records must be obtained.

The Veteran's right lower extremity Parkinson's disease is rated at the highest possible level (60%) and his left lower extremity Parkinson's disease remains denied.

Service connection is granted for a neck condition, right shoulder condition, and obstructive sleep apnea.,The heart condition issue remains pending as it requires additional development.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated VA treatment records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for low back, left hip, and right hip disabilities due to injuries sustained during service. The PTSD claim is also remanded for an updated examination.

The Board denied service connection for heart disorder, low back disorder, right ankle/foot disorder, and right knee disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a back disability due to conflicting medical evidence and the need for additional examinations. The issues are related as they may be intertwined.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions. The claims are related to service connection for low back disability, bilateral knee disability, and sleep disorder (insomnia).

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

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and a higher rating is denied.,Tinnitus has been assigned the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 6260, and no higher rating is granted.,Metatarsalgia, bilateral feet disability, remains at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5279, and a higher rating is denied.,Degenerative disc disease thoracolumbar spine with IVDS is rated as 20 percent disabling, but no higher rating is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and failure to consider Deluca factors. The Veteran's representative requested a new VA examination for his service-connected back disability.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is not related to service and remands the case for a new examination.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is remanded for an addendum opinion regarding its onset and relationship to service.,The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is remanded for an addendum opinion regarding its onset and relationship to service.,The Veteran's right arm/hand disorder (claimed as right elbow cubital tunnel syndrome) is remanded for an addendum opinion regarding its onset and relationship to service, including consideration of burn pit exposure.,The Veteran's voiding condition is remanded for a VA examination and an addendum opinion regarding its nature and etiology.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, finding that there is no competent medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.