Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings or additional service connections.

The Veteran's tinnitus, lumbar strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted service connection. An initial 40 percent evaluation has been granted for the lumbar strain condition, effective April 23, 2012. A separate 10 percent evaluation has also been granted for the left lower extremity radiculopathy beginning September 7, 2017.

The Veteran's lumbar spine strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of bladder suspension procedure and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine have been denied. The highest schedular evaluations are currently in place.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the impact of flare-ups on the Veteran's disability rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left leg length discrepancy and low back scar were denied as there was no evidence showing the conditions warranted a compensable rating.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for low back disability and remanded it for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased rating of the Veteran's knee disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions in the previous decision. The Veteran is required to undergo a new VA examination to assess his current low back disability, right and left knee conditions, and their impact on his functional abilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine, right ankle, and left knee disabilities were denied. The effective dates for the increased ratings for the left knee disability are not established.

The Veteran's appeal for an increase rating on his right ankle fracture with degenerative changes was dismissed. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a back disorder, and respiratory disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his right knee, back, and left knee disabilities.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of lumbar spine disorder and PTSD due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is being remanded for further examination and determination of its etiology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and left knee strain. The appeals were denied as there was no evidence showing an intent to file a claim prior to June 29, 2014, and the medical evidence did not support higher schedular ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right shoulder disability and lumbar spine disability due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations.

The Board restored the Veteran's 100% rating for his lower back disability, effective September 1, 2016.,An effective date of October 30, 2003 was granted for service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy.,The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating higher than 10 percent for his right lower extremity radiculopathy was denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of his service-connected chronic low back strain is being remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding whether his service-connected condition has aggravated other disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left hand injury, right hand injury, arthritis of cervical and lumbar spine, involuntary bowel movement, involuntary urinary discharge, burns to feet, PTSD, and diabetes mellitus. The diabetes mellitus claim was granted as presumptively related to herbicide exposure in Thailand.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to new evidence of constant, chronic pain since service. The initial ratings for non-traumatic compartment syndrome of the right and left lower extremities are also remanded.