Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus have been granted. The case is remanded for additional development regarding the Veteran's hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability was granted, with a current rating of 40 percent effective from February 23, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a medically-unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness, including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, was granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss disability, lumbar strain (claimed as back tendonitis), left ankle strain (claimed as tendonitis), bilateral hip strain (claimed as tendonitis), and left knee strain (claimed as left knee tendonitis) with degenerative joint disease of the right knee were also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for her service-connected low back disability, finding that the evidence did not support a rating greater than 10 percent prior to March 21, 2008 and greater than 20 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the cases for issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) regarding increased ratings for the low back disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, an acquired psychiatric disability (to include depression), a lumbar spine disability, and a left lower extremity neurological disability. Service connection for headaches is also granted. However, the claim of service connection for a gallbladder disability remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including new medical opinions and review of VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disability, degenerative disc disease L5-S1 with lumbar strain, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues include determining whether the cervical spine disability is caused or aggravated by her service-connected back disability, obtaining additional VA treatment records, and scheduling a new VA examination for the Veteran's back disability.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for chronic lumbar strain and TDIU due to service-connected PTSD and chronic lumbar strain are being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for low back strain with degenerative disk disease and has determined that he is entitled to this benefit. The evidence shows a current diagnosis of low back strain with degenerative disk disease, which was related to in-service injury.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and evaluations to determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions, including a bilateral hip disability. The issues include increased ratings for panic disorder, lumbar strain, asthma, and right leg varicose veins.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for low back pain.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar strain, right and left knee conditions, a neck condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder has been reopened.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder as it was incurred in service.

The Board has expanded the issue to include whether a change in the stated employment goal is warranted due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his attempts to obtain employment. The case is being remanded for an additional functional capacity evaluation, as well as for the Veteran to provide evidence of unsuccessful job attempts.

Service connection for tinnitus and an undiagnosed lumbar spine disability has been granted.,Ratings have been assigned for right knee strain with shin splints, instability, pain and joint effusion, bilateral pes planus, and PTSD.

The Veteran's right and left knee disorders, as well as his neurological disorders of the lower extremities and headaches, are found to be related to service. His bilateral foot disorder is not considered due to service.

The Board's decision on the increased rating claims for left and right shoulder tendinitis, as well as the lumbar strain (claimed as a back condition), is vacated due to denial of due process. The issues are now remanded for further review.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining his SSA records and readjudicating them in light of all additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine with lumbosacral strain and intervertebral disc syndrome is being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The issue remains on appeal.