Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his left thumb scar is granted. The previously denied claims of service connection for bilateral knee disabilities and lumbar strain are reopened, but the issues related to these conditions are remanded for further development.

An effective date of May 20, 2014 for a 50 percent disability rating for migraines is granted.,An effective date of May 20, 2014 for a 20 percent disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted. The periumbilical scar secondary to service-connected scar status post tubal litigation also receives an effective date of May 20, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for spondylolisthesis L5-S1 & L4 compression fracture, DJD, arthritis lumbar spine was denied. The case is also remanded for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for an unstable right hip and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's lower back disability is rated at 40 percent effective April 3, 2018. The rating for bilateral lower radiculopathy remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's low back disability is remanded for an adequate VA examination.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy are remanded due to insufficient development regarding in-service herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities, as well as his claim of entitlement to a TDIU, are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his current back, neck, shoulder, arm, leg, and head disorders. The VA must provide additional examinations or opinions as requested.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and thus grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar discogenic disc disease is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and testing.

The Veteran's low back condition, bilateral pes planus, and sleep apnea have been granted service connection.,Service connection for numbness and tingling of the left leg and right leg, as well as degenerative joint disease in both feet, is being remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate for several of the issues on appeal, particularly regarding the Veteran's mental health conditions and his pelvis disability. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional opinions from appropriate clinicians.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any low back disorder. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD rating is also being remanded.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine is granted service connection, while his bilateral hearing loss appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for compression fracture L1 with chronic low back pain and initial compensable rating claim for bilateral hearing loss were both denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including panic disorder, lumbar spondylosis-status post spinal fusion, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and other conditions, prevent her from maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected chronic low back strain with mild degenerative changes, and the Board grants TDIU.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for dental condition, lumbar spine disorder, right ankle disorder, and right ear hearing loss due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder has been reopened and granted. The claims for service connection for a back disability, deviated septum, acquired psychiatric disability (including depression), left arm tumor, right arm tumor, left knee strain, and right knee strain are all remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection claim for tailbone or coccyx pain is denied as there is no current disability related to the in-service injury.,The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.,The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome and right knee patellofemoral syndrome are both rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's left calf strain is rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's mixed-type headaches are rated at 30 percent.,No effective date was provided in the decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's ankylosing spondylitis or other back disorder clearly and unmistakably preexisted service, and if so, whether it was aggravated by service. The Veteran needs to provide updated medical records and a VA examination is required.