Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for a service-connected back disability and TDIU due to additional development being necessary. The Veteran's intent on whether he wishes to proceed with his claim or withdraw it needs clarification.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease, left shoulder sprain, and right shoulder sprain were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a chronic back disorder as new and material evidence was not received, and the condition is considered unrelated to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his claimed disabilities, including psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain syndrome, and a lumbar spine disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical opinions and the need for updated radiographic imaging. The Veteran's low back disability is being reviewed again to determine if it is related to his service-connected right ankle and knee disabilities or if favoring one leg over the other has caused or aggravated any low back disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability. Further development is needed to determine if the condition is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his chronic lumbar strain and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claim for headaches was denied, and his claims for increased ratings for low back disability were also denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a chronic headache disorder in service or within one year after separation from service, and that there is no evidence of a link between his current headaches and service-connected low back disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses due to lack of emergency treatment and non-feasibility of VA facilities, despite his assertions.

The Veteran's initial rating for a low back disability from January 28, 2009 to September 30, 2019 was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion. The Veteran's initial rating for a low back disability from October 1, 2019 was also denied as she did not meet the criteria for an increased rating due to limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left palmar median nerve neuropathy was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD with polysubstance abuse prior to April 30, 2014 and from August 1, 2014, was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating of 70 percent or higher.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates earlier than specific dates have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for initial disability ratings in excess of specific percentages have also been dismissed.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran’s lumbar spine disability has been granted a 40 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability, including degenerative disc disease, is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, status post laminectomy. The initial compensable disability rating for left arm scar is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his lumbar spine condition, as well as his hernia. The issues are related to whether these conditions are linked to his military service.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for service-connected lumbosacral strain effective April 5, 2010. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for the period from April 5, 2010, to May 27, 2016 is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the condition and insufficient medical evidence to establish a link between the current disability and service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder is denied due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of hearing loss disability within one year post-service.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right ankle sprain is denied as the Veteran's symptoms do not meet criteria for such an increase.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for asthma is denied due to lack of findings meeting specific pulmonary function criteria.,Pension purposes are granted with a permanent and total disability rating based on multiple medical conditions rendering the Veteran unemployable.,Service connection claims for pharyngitis, gastroenteritis/gastritis, migraines, residuals of facial injury, GERD, bronchitis, tendonitis, right foot disability, residuals of infections, shin splints, mononucleosis, neurological disorder, conjunctivitis, primary anemia, and acquired psychiatric disability are all remanded for further review.,The Veteran's service connection claims for these conditions will be reviewed again based on new evidence or clarification.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to unclear periods of active duty and training, requiring further verification. The appellant must provide additional information or evidence to support her claims.