Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for DDD of the lumbar spine was denied. The VA determined that his condition did not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms and examination findings.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a current VA examination to determine the severity of her left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for loss of the right kidney.,Specifically, the Board found that the April 2019 VA examination was inadequate in addressing all relevant evidence presented by the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as anxiety and depression, secondary to the Veteran's service-connected orthopedic disabilities. The appeal is dismissed for all other issues.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for right knee strain and lumbosacral strain are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include tinnitus, hearing loss disability, low back disability, right knee disability, right wrist disability, left wrist disability, acquired psychiatric disability (including depression and anxiety), heart palpitations, and a disability of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) including grinding of teeth.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS, sleep apnea, PTSD, adjustment disorder with anxiety, depression, a right lower leg disability, and a lumbar spine disability are being remanded due to the need for further development of evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current low back complaints are related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's right knee, left knee, lumbar spine, and bilateral hip disabilities are granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.,Service connection is established for the Veteran's right knee, left knee, lumbar spine, and bilateral hip disabilities based on their being related to his now service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for updated VA treatment records and an orthopedic examination of the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claims for service connection for a low back disorder and right great toe condition (arthritis) has been granted.,However, the claim of service connection for these conditions remains denied as they are determined to be directly related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous orders and needs a VA examination for service connection of low back strain.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the increased rating claim for this condition has been denied.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted a 40 percent rating from April 25, 2013 to January 31, 2016. The claim for an increased rating during this period is denied.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy has been rated at 40 percent prior to September 27, 2016 and 20 percent from that date onwards. The claim for an increased rating during the latter period is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus and low back strain due to a lack of current VA examination, and requests that a new one be conducted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing addendum opinions.

The Veteran's lumbar back strain was granted a rating of 40 percent prior to June 13, 2018. A higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 70 percent rating for TBI with cognitive disorder from May 21, 2015 is granted. Other claims are remanded.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, effective prior to July 5, 2011. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from July 29, 2016. The left great toe injury with degenerative joint disease is rated at 20 percent for the periods prior to July 5, 2011 and September 1, 2011 to September 17, 2014; and 20 percent from December 1, 2014 to September 24, 2015.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent, effective from December 4, 2015. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from July 29, 2016. The left great toe injury with degenerative joint disease remains rated at 20 percent for the periods prior to July 5, 2011 and September 1, 2011 to September 17, 2014; and 20 percent from December 1, 2014 to September 24, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with scheduling a VA examination and updating the Veteran's representative's mailing address. The appeal is also remanded for further examinations and medical opinions regarding the severity of the Veteran's back disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were dismissed. The Board also remanded the claims for service connection for left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, neck disorder, and low back disorder due to lack of evidence on aggravation.