Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back condition, finding that there is no medical evidence linking his current condition to military service.

The Board has remanded three issues: a claim for an increased rating for chronic lumbosacral strain, a TDIU claim, and a SMC based on the need for aid and attendance. The claims are being remanded due to incomplete records and inadequate medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The right knee arthritis claim was remanded, while the right knee instability and TDIU claims are still pending.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied. Separate ratings were granted for bilateral lower extremity sciatic and femoral nerve impairments effective September 27, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for osteoporosis of multiple body parts due to new evidence showing degenerative changes in his bones. The case is being sent back for further examination and updated treatment records.

The appeal for increased ratings on the lumbar spine disability is dismissed. The right knee and left knee disabilities, as well as the splenectomy and Lyme disease residuals, are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current back disability is related to any back injury sustained during his period of active duty, including his May 1957 treatment for back pain.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and a left foot disorder due to potential issues with development and opinion requests. The special monthly compensation claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is granted. The claims for initial ratings higher than 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy, service connection and separate rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy, service connection for chronic disability due to herbicide exposure (difficulty breathing), hypertension due to herbicide exposure, and TDIU are all remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and low back disability are found to be related to his military service. The acquired psychiatric disorder is not considered due to a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding her in-service injuries and exposure. The VA will obtain missing service treatment records, including those from her reserve component time, and seek clarification on any reported exposure to pollution or toxins.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance was denied as the evidence did not show that he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to August 27, 2012.,Eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 was also denied as the Veteran did not have a permanent and total service-connected disability at any time before August 27, 2012.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression was granted. The issue of service connection for a lumbar spine disability is remanded.

The Veteran's left wrist and lumbar spine disabilities are rated at the lowest possible levels due to their current symptoms not meeting higher rating criteria. The Board finds no evidence of ankylosis or neurological involvement.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back disability is related to his in-service injuries and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied a higher rating for the Veteran's back disability and remanded her claims for TDIU and increased rating. The appeal is currently pending.

The Board denied service connection for right knee patellofemoral syndrome and low back disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and residuals of head injury, to include headaches and TBI are remanded due to inadequate VA examination reports. The Veteran must undergo further examinations to determine the etiology of his current conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a back disability and TDIU due to an inadequate VA examination in November 2017. The cases are being returned for further evaluation, including another VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with lumbosacral spine disease have been dismissed. The Board also granted TDIU from May 3, 2013, but remanded the issue of TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to May 3, 2013.