Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The case is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected back disability and associated symptoms, including peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. Separate ratings are also required for the right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability, neck disability, bilateral knee disability, residuals of TBI, and colon cancer as the evidence did not support a link to service.

The Veteran's back disorder caused significant degenerative changes, radiculopathy, and antalgic gait. The rating of 40 percent for mechanical low back pain is granted since October 5, 2011.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability, cervical spine disability, and hepatitis C due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right foot hammer toes, left foot hammer toes, and back disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher initial ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's low back disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted increased ratings, effective November 14, 2010.

The Veteran's GERD and thoracolumbar spine disability are granted. The GERD is service-connected, while the initial evaluation for the thoracolumbar spine disability was denied prior to March 27, 2018, but a 20 percent evaluation is granted beginning that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's altered gait, caused by his service-connected right and left knee conditions, significantly aggravated his pre-existing lumbar spine condition. As a result, the Board granted service connection for the lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a back disorder, neurological disorders affecting the bilateral lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction due to inextricably intertwined issues with the claim of increased rating for residuals of an injury to the right leg (thigh) with arthritis of the right knee. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left shoulder, hip, knee, and back disorders due to insufficient evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service. The Veteran's leg length discrepancy is considered a congenital defect.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, finding that his current back condition did not manifest during active duty or within one year of separation and is not shown to be causally related to any disease, injury, or incident during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his back disability due to inadequate VA medical opinions and the need for additional examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder as secondary to the service-connected right knee tendonitis was granted. However, his request for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee tendonitis and arthritis with limitation of flexion was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his back, migraines, and TBI. The claims will be reviewed again with additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's back disorder may be related to his flat feet, but a VA opinion is needed to determine if this relationship is secondary to service. His bilateral flat feet are also under review with a need for a VA examination. For his lung condition, the Board requested additional information on asbestos exposure in service and needs further examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with hip pain and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated medical evidence and examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for inflammatory arthritis and lumbar spine disorder to allow further development.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar and cervical spines have been remanded for further evaluation due to changes in range of motion.