Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bursitis of the right knee, Haglund's deformity of bilateral heels, lower back condition, acid reflux, bilateral callus condition of the feet, and pseudofolliculitis. The appeals are granted to that extent.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the service connection claims related to lumbar spine condition, neck condition, left and right ankle conditions, arthritis and gout of the bilateral feet, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (chronic depression).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is as likely as not attributable to service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's right foot Morton's neuroma and metatarsalgia are granted as service-connected, while his right foot corns and heel tenderness are denied. For the period prior to April 7, 2016, a disability rating for spondylosis of the lumbar spine is granted at 40 percent, but no higher.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and headaches. The remaining claims of service connection for chronic joint pain, osteoporosis, an eye disorder, a disorder of the ear, hypercholesterolemia, high blood pressure, a skin disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are REMANDED.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD), and right biceps strain with scar are granted. Service connection for a low back disorder and residuals of TBI are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to determine if the Veteran's left knee and low back disabilities are related to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle and low back disabilities due to new and material evidence. The claims are remanded for further development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran requested to withdraw their appeal for service connection of a low back disability, and the Board has dismissed it.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic low back pain with radicular symptoms of the right leg is rated at 10 percent, effective as of the date of this decision.

The Veteran's right eye blindness was not incurred in the line of duty and is denied.,The Veteran's right-hand scar preexisted service and is not aggravated by service, thus denial.,The acquired psychiatric disorders are not related to service and are denied.,Bilateral knee osteoarthritis did not manifest during or within one year after service and is denied.,Bilateral hand osteoarthritis was not shown to be chronic during service and is denied.,Low back disability is not shown to exist currently and is denied.,Neuropathy is not shown to exist currently and is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) and remanded the issues of service connection for a neck condition, lower back condition, shortness of breath, and sleeping disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's respiratory disorder, back disorder, and hypertension are related to service or herbicide exposure.

The appeal to reopen service connection for a back disorder is denied. The Board finds that the prior rating decisions are not subject to revision on the same factual basis due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease with degenerative disc disease and sacroiliac degenerative joint disease results in forward flexion greater than 30 degrees, but no ankylosis. The current rating of 20% is appropriate.,Prior to January 16, 2012, the Veteran's right knee disability resulted in painful motion with extension limited to 10 degrees. Effective March 1, 2013, his status post total knee replacement results in extension to 10 degrees or more and flexion greater than 60 degrees. The current ratings of 10% prior to January 16, 2012, and 30% effective March 1, 2013, are appropriate.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for various conditions, including right knee chondromalacia, left knee chondromalacia, cervical strain with degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, and degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine. The remand also includes a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and left upper extremity numbness was granted. Service connection is also granted for PTSD.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a low back disorder and left leg disorder, but denied all other issues. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied as there is no evidence of actual need for such benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for neck and low back disabilities, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder and migraine headaches on a secondary basis to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability.