Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his in-service accidents and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU. The remaining issues of increased ratings for his back and cervical spine conditions are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, as there was no prior claim filed before July 14, 2008.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient reasoning in previous medical opinions and lack of follow-up on treatment for spine issues.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his thoracolumbar idiopathic scoliosis and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, including from SSA and Providence Hospital. A VA examination is also needed to assess the current severity of his back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a back conditions examination.

The Board has granted the reopening of previously denied claims for service connection for chronic low back condition and right shoulder disability status post fracture, but denied reopening of other claims. The case is remanded for further development on all issues.

The Veteran's low back strain with traumatic arthritis is rated at 40 percent, but no higher.,Since August 8, 2017, the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy has been rated at 60 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, but denied service connection for left hip osteoarthritis and left foot disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and paralysis of the sciatic nerve in the Veteran's lower extremities, both found to be secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for right knee arthritis and lumbar spondylosis and degenerative disc disease were denied, as the evidence did not support a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for residuals of a fracture of the right middle finger was denied. The Board found no additional functional loss due to pain and concluded that the Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder was reopened based on new evidence, but the issue remains pending as it has been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of residuals of a right ankle fracture has been reopened, and the Board has remanded it. The claims for higher initial disability ratings for spur formation of the lumbar spine, left knee injury, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's back disability is caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been dismissed. A rating of 40 percent has been granted for chronic lumbar strain with degenerative changes since May 26, 2016.

The Board finds that additional evidentiary development is needed before the Board can render a decision on the Veteran's back claim. Specifically, a VA examination must be obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that new and material evidence was not received.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and gunshot wound residuals of the left elbow, prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, residual vision loss in the right eye, and right foot disorder due to a lack of medical evidence of current disabilities.