Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's initial rating for lumbar spondylosis is denied, but he receives a separate 10 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a back condition due to insufficient evidence. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and requests for verification of his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the Veteran's failure to appear at a scheduled DRO hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's back disability prior to December 3, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for cardiomyopathy, left knee condition, and sleep apnea. Service connection was denied for a back condition.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a lower back disability, bilateral hearing loss due to acoustic trauma, left ear infections, and tinnitus. The Veteran's separation examination took place in May 1975, but he alleges that he was involved in a motor vehicle accident during service. Additional records from Germany are needed, as well as VA examinations to determine the etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability was granted a rating of 30 percent from April 22, 2015 to November 7, 2017; and of 50 percent from November 8, 2017. The left shoulder disability was denied an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for recurrent low back strain and entitlement to a TDIU due to failure to provide VA examinations as directed.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected TBI, lumbar spine problems, and bilateral knee issues has been granted special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are not related to his active service, but additional evidence is needed for other conditions. The Veteran will need to provide updated treatment records and undergo a new VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including reopening service connection for allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, determining a rating for low back disability, and examining the etiology of sleep apnea.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as the Veteran died before a decision was made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for his left shoulder condition.,The preponderance of evidence is against finding that the Veteran's right shoulder condition is related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability is denied as there is no ankylosis of the spine, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, neck disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.,The VA examinations and medical opinions provided clear reasoning against the Veteran’s assertions of service connection.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxiety and panic attacks is found to be secondary to his service-connected peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities. Service connection for emboli to both lungs, post-phlebitic syndrome with peripheral vascular disease of the left and right lower extremities, and heart condition (cardiomegaly) are all granted. The Veteran's back disability and sleep apnea claims remain denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed due to his request to withdraw from appeal, and the RO confirmed previous decisions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, neurological disorders of upper and lower extremities due to new evidence submitted during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and requests for examinations.