Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a cervical hernia, right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, or degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine in service. The Veteran's PTSD and right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis were granted with effective dates based on information available at the time of his original claims within one year of discharge.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, left knee disability, right knee disability, and back disability. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings and a TDIU. The Board has determined that the TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with his right knee disabilities, which require additional VA examinations to assess their current severity.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, tricompartmental osteoarthritis of the left knee with a degenerative meniscal tear, and degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The cervical spine disability claim is dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The right knee disorder claim is remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as a need for another VA examination of the right eye corneal scar.

The Veteran's insomnia is caused by his service-connected PTSD and the Board grants entitlement to service connection for insomnia.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease, right and left knee degenerative joint disease, and bilateral plantar fasciitis and pes planus are all rated as of April 15, 2010. Effective June 23, 2007, the Veteran is entitled to separate 10 percent ratings for his knees. Prior to that date, he was granted a 10 percent rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis and pes planus.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion from a VA examiner regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability and bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic arthritis, lower thoracic and lumbar spine, resulted in incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the previous 12 months. The RO granted increased disability ratings for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to appear for a scheduled video-conference hearing. The issue of service connection for a low back disorder will be addressed again.

The Board found that the current low back disability is not related to service, as there was no evidence of arthritis in service or within one year following discharge. The opinions from Dr. TJS and Dr. JLB were deemed unreliable due to their lack of access to 1970 VA examination results.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability is not related to his service, specifically the 2003 muscle strain during active duty. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the disability was incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to a higher initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and denied service connection for tinnitus. The appeal regarding service connection for a back disorder is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral plantar fascitis, low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and bilateral shin splints were denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for a travel Board hearing to be conducted in Marion, Illinois. The Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and back disorder are pending. Additionally, his claims regarding bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as well as residuals of a head injury have been reopened.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals of the increased rating claims for lumbar strain and left lower extremity radiculopathy before a decision was made.

The appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current back disorder.

The Veteran does not have a right knee disability that is the result of disease or injury incurred in or aggravated during active military service. The Board finds that there is no current diagnosis for her claimed back disability, and thus cannot grant service connection.

The Veteran's head injury residuals, including tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, and bilateral leg weakness, are related to his military service. The Board granted service connection for these conditions.