Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied separate disability ratings for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, finding no evidence of a neurological condition stemming from the service-connected lumbar spine disorder.,Separate disability ratings were not granted as there is no objective medical evidence supporting the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for right ear hearing loss has been reopened, with a current rating of 10%.,The Veteran's claim for a back disorder (IVDS) has also been reopened, with a current rating of 10%.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder and back disabilities have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.,Service connection for bronchitis has also been denied, with the presumption being that it began in or around 1966 to 1968.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of service connection for various conditions due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for depressive disorder and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance and/or housebound status due to the need for a new VA examination to assess cognitive impairment and the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial schedular rating for tinnitus is denied as it is the highest available.,An extraschedular rating for tinnitus is also denied due to the maximum schedular rating being assigned.,Service connection for hearing loss is not granted because the Veteran does not have hearing impairment for VA purposes.,Effective from November 8, 2012, a 40 percent rating for lumbosacral DDD is granted. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected thoracolumbar spine strain is granted, subject to the rules and regulations governing the payment of VA monetary benefits. The claims for service connection for various conditions are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar and cervical disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active duty service. The decision also grants new and material evidence petitions for both disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and opinion regarding the nature, etiology, and relationship of the appellant's back disorder to his active duty service.

The Veteran's back disability was granted an initial 10% evaluation prior to October 19, 2017 and a 40% evaluation thereafter. The right knee and left knee disabilities were each granted a 10% evaluation for the entire appeal period. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Board has granted secondary service connection for sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. Service connection for a low back disability is denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to the need for additional records from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of sleep apnea, and her lumbar spine disability was rated based on limitation of motion rather than IVDS. Her skin disability met criteria for a 10% rating since May 30, 2018. PTSD symptoms did not meet criteria for TDIU, but the Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded her from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that additional medical records are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including VA treatment records from prior to February 2013 and April 2018, as well as any SSA disability records and Walter Reed Army Medical Center records related to his heart failure. The Veteran will also be afforded a VA examination for his hypertension claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's back disability is related to his military service, including an in-service injury. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional development and evaluation of his conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for cervical spine, lumbosacral spine, and headache disabilities due to inadequate medical examination reports. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected conditions and provide opinions regarding their impact on employment.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee and low back disorders due to insufficient medical opinions in the August 2013 VA examination reports. The cases are now pending for further evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD. The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the current conditions and active duty.