Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, and the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, TDIU, a back disability, and an eye disability (glaucoma) are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's cervical strain and left upper extremity radiculopathy are granted at a 40 percent rating effective November 3, 2017. The Veteran's lumbar strain is rated as 40 percent disabling after July 29, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left pinky finger disability is denied as there is no current diagnosis of such condition.,A rating of 10 percent, but no higher, has been granted for the Veteran's residuals of a right index finger fracture.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current lower back disability is related to his service or an injury sustained in service.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 40% for lumbar strain and myalgia, denied a prior effective date for depression, and remanded the issues of increased rating for depression and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance for his back brace in calendar year 2017 is denied because the evidence does not show that the brace caused wear and tear to his clothing.

The Veteran's rating for thoracolumbar spine strain with degenerative disc disease was reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent in April 2015. The Board found that the reduction was not proper due to lack of compliance with regulations and restored the original 20 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for exercise-induced sinus tachycardia and an initial compensable rating for lumbar DDD due to insufficient examination reports. The Veteran must undergo additional VA examinations to determine if her current diagnoses are related to her military service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted as it was incurred in service due to acoustic trauma.,Headaches are also granted as they were incurred in service due to acoustic trauma.,Low back disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.,Obstructive sleep apnea is remanded for further examination and opinion.,Diabetes mellitus is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further action, including obtaining a legal brief and clarifying whether the Veteran still desires his videoconference hearing.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's back condition, as it is unclear whether his preexisting condition existed prior to service or if any increase in disability was due to natural progression.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disorder and remanded the issues of service connection for left knee instability and a rating greater than 20 percent for low back disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and its functional limitations.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of lumbar scoliosis, right knee disorder, and gluteal fasciitis. The appeal regarding reconsideration of left hip arthritis is granted but denied.

The Board denied service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, neuropathy, bronchial asthma, and diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of these conditions during the appeal period.,Service connection was also denied for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, and diabetes mellitus, type II due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for his left thumb, left knee, and lumbosacral strain disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right shoulder disability and thoracolumbar spine disability due to inadequate medical opinions. The VA is required to obtain new treatment records and schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate examiner.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder is related to his military service. The VA needs to schedule a VA examination and obtain any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen claims for service connection for an abdominal muscle tear and a lumbosacral strain, finding no new and material evidence. The claim for increased rating of bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD with IVDS and associated right and left lower extremity radiculopathy were granted service connection effective August 15, 2014. A rating of 40 percent was assigned from August 15, 2014 to July 9, 2017 for the lumbar spine DDD with IVDS and separate ratings of 20 percent each were granted for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy effective August 15, 2014.