Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for her service-connected low back disability and radiculopathy of the lower extremities was denied. The current evaluations are found to be appropriate.,The Veteran’s physical impairments do not warrant a rating more than 20 percent for her chronic low back strain, as there is no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's service-connected low back, bilateral radiculopathy, and bilateral knee disabilities are causing him to require regular aid and assistance. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an adequate VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neck disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence, except for a denial of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression, anxiety and PTSD).

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected pericarditis, including secondary service connection for back, left arm, and left leg disabilities as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder. The total disability rating based on individual unemployability claim is also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to outdated medical records and a need for updated examinations to assess the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar degenerative disease.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 100% rating for multiple myeloma and service connection for back disability and peripheral neuropathy (claimed as bilateral leg condition) is denied. The reduction from 100% to 0% was proper due to the absence of active disease or significantly disabling residuals.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for additional record development due to incomplete treatment records and personnel records. The Veteran is asked to provide a list of all facilities where she received treatment, especially during Officer Candidate School at Ft. Rucker. An examination will be scheduled to determine if her knee and back disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's initial rating for low back disability prior to October 6, 2016 was denied. The case is remanded due to new evidence showing worsening of the condition.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to assess whether all service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral knee and shoulder conditions, neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, and low back pain, warrant the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of left hand, right hand, left shoulder, right shoulder, and right elbow conditions as secondary to his service-connected cervical strain with degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities (patellofemoral pain syndrome with osteoarthritis) and lumbar strain have been evaluated at 10 percent each, but the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current functional impairment. The case is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and no new or material evidence was submitted for the claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, bilateral knee condition, and hypertension. The VA examinations were inadequate as they did not consider the lay statements of record. A new VA opinion is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran’s conditions with consideration of his fellow serviceman's statement.

The Veteran's arthritis of the left shoulder, lumbosacral spine, and cervical spine are granted service connection based on chronicity in service with continuous symptoms since separation.,The Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is granted service connection based on exposure to loud noise during service with continuous symptoms since separation.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues, including service connection for various conditions and evaluations of his disabilities. The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to properly assess the nature and etiology of these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and his disability rating for a back condition was restored. The claim for an increased rating of the acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective April 8, 2014. The rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity remains at 20 percent. Prostatitis and epididymitis to include erectile dysfunction are rated at 20 percent from June 1, 2014 to August 16, 2015; 40 percent from August 17, 2015 to May 11, 2017. The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period prior to June 1, 2014 is granted.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating for limitation of motion. The right sciatic nerve impairment does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to various disabilities, including a right knee disability that was reopened due to new and material evidence. The rating for bilateral pes planus remains at 30 percent. Other claims are pending.