Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for migraine headaches and chronic lumbar strain with degenerative changes are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and new examinations.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine disorders, as well as a bilateral knee disorder. The AOJ is required to verify any periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA that are not already confirmed, and then schedule the veteran for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his spinal and knee conditions.

Right knee osteoarthritis is granted as secondary to service-connected right ankle fracture with degenerative joint disease.,Tinnitus is granted as incurred in service.,Cervical disorder is granted as secondary to service-connected thoracolumbar strain.,Shortened right leg is granted as secondary to service-connected right ankle fracture.,Sinusitis is granted as incurred in service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the right sciatic nerve radiculopathy rating is denied as there was no ascertainable increase prior to April 28, 2016.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal. The Board also granted a TDIU effective from August 25, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for pain and fatigue is denied.,An earlier effective date of September 14, 2009 is granted for the increased 10 percent evaluation for left hip bursitis.,An earlier effective date of October 20, 2009 is granted for the increased 40 percent evaluation for left sacroiliac lumbar strain.,An earlier effective date of October 20, 2009 is granted for the increased 70 percent evaluation for panic attacks.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right shoulder disability, low back disability, and left eye disability due to a lack of medical opinions regarding their onset in service or relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals. The Board has also remanded cases related to hereditary exostosis and secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder, sinusitis and allergic rhinitis is remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The claims are also remanded for obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's lumbar myalgia and intervertebral disc syndrome are rated at 40 percent since January 27, 2014. The rating is based on functional loss of the back due to pain, flare-ups, and less movement than normal.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his right testicular disorder was denied. The Board found no factual basis for an increased rating as there is no lay or medical evidence of atrophy of both testes that would justify such a rating.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service treatment for a left knee disorder and low back disorder. The Veteran's claims are linked as they both stem from his left knee condition.

The Veteran's herpes was initially denied, but a 10% rating was granted starting from December 22, 2011. The Board has remanded the cases for left hip disability, right hip disability, and low back disability due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective September 26, 2003 due to his service-connected lumbar spine and psychiatric disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder), and a low back disability due to lack of evidence showing in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, bladder dysfunction, and left lower extremity radiculopathy were rated at 40 percent effective December 5, 2016. The Board granted a TDIU on that date due to the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is at least as likely as not related to his active service, including his duties as a helicopter mechanic and an in-service fall off a helicopter. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for personality disorder is denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including depression or adjustment disorder, is granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and compensable rating for service-connected residuals of crush injury to the right hand are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for clothing allowances due to use of selenium sulfide shampoo and back brace in 2014. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding insufficient evidence to link the condition to service.