Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of dermatophytosis, service connection for left knee condition, and service connection for lumbar condition are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's low back disorder, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The maximum rating of 40% was assigned for the low back disorder.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The Board has remanded the cases for bilateral knee, back, and hip disabilities, as well as pes planus and hallux valgus.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it requires additional information from the Veteran.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine DDD with IVDS, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve were all granted increased ratings. The Veteran also received SMC at housebound rate from September 23, 2010 to December 31, 2010.

The Veteran's disability rating for DDD of the lumbar spine at L5-S1 was granted, with a 40% rating effective January 21, 2010. Prior to this date, the Veteran demonstrated 30 degrees of thoracolumbar flexion.

The Board has remanded the claims for a disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine disability and radiculopathies of both lower extremities due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran must undergo a new VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbosacral strain conditions are found to be related to service, leading to a grant of service connection for both.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to inadequate examinations and missing service treatment records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability. A new examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded both issues of service connection for a back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to insufficient evidence in the record. The Veteran is required to provide additional information, and a new VA examination will be conducted.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for thoracolumbar spine strain is granted at 40 percent, effective prior to April 8, 2016. The appeal regarding IVDS and right lower extremity radiculopathy resulted in some issues being granted (IVDS) and others denied (radiculopathy).

The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for a low back disability due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of continuity of symptoms documentation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right knee disability, service connection for his left knee disability, and service connection for his lumbar spine disability due to conflicting medical evidence.

The Board denied service connection for a lower back disorder, finding that the Veteran's earliest treatment for this condition occurred many years after his discharge from active duty. The Board concluded there was no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current lower back disorder and his time in-service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and increased rating for his conditions were denied. The Veteran was granted TDIU.

The Board has dismissed the issues of service connection for a right knee disability and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The remaining issues have been remanded for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has found that additional development is required for the Veteran's claims due to issues related to his lumbar spine disability, including a need for an examination and retrospective opinion. The issues of increased ratings and earlier effective date are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's left low back disability, including left piriformis syndrome with focal gluteal pain and intermittent sciatica, is related to his in-service injury. The Veteran needs additional medical opinions on this issue.

Entitlement to service connection for Hepatitis C has been withdrawn.,Service connection granted for chronic degenerative disc disease L5-S1 (lumbar spine disorder).,The effective date of the award of service connection for PTSD is denied, as it does not meet the criteria.