Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal regarding his back condition was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a lumbar spine disorder was denied. The appeal for an earlier effective date than January 14, 2000, for the grant of service connection for lumbar spine disorder is also denied.,Service connection for the cause of death is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied as his symptoms do not meet or approximate ankylosis, which would warrant a higher rating. The current 20 percent rating is considered appropriate based on the range of motion findings and other factors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, left knee disability, right knee disability, and obstructive sleep apnea have been denied. The claim for hypertension is not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. Claims for left and right knee disabilities are reopened based on the receipt of new evidence. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is also reopened.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability remains rated at 10 percent, with a remand required to issue an SSOC.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus and TDIU prior to June 4, 2015. The Veteran's service-connected conditions include bilateral pes planus, glaucoma, GERD, right ankle sprain, scar, cervical spine strain degenerative disc, bilateral shin splints, asthma, and tinea pedis.

An initial rating of 20 percent for a low back disability is granted from March 28, 2012.,Prior to April 28, 2016, an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy is denied. From April 28, 2016, a rating of 40 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted.,Throughout the appeal period, an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions and incomplete examinations. The issues include hypertension, low back disability, neurological disabilities of upper extremities, and neurological disabilities of lower extremities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left upper extremity radiculopathy and DDD of the cervical spine are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The VA needs to provide additional information regarding the severity of these conditions, including during periods of flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various orthopedic conditions due to an inadequate examination in the prior decision and new evidence of a continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's interstitial cystitis is rated as 40 percent disabling, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The low back disability and gastrointestinal conditions are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent rating, effective from April 24, 2009. The rating for lumbosacral strain with residuals remains denied.

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

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, lumbar spine disability, and tinnitus are all found to be due to his active service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a left lower extremity disability as secondary to sarcoidosis and a right lower extremity disability as secondary to sarcoidosis, lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis of the spine, and sarcoid arthropathy of the low back.,An effective date earlier than April 17, 2012, for the grant of service connection for a right hip disability is denied.

The Veteran's lumbar strain, with sacroiliitis and degenerative disc disease, status post laminectomy, was rated at 40% from November 22, 2010 to December 2, 2012, and denied for a higher rating. From February 1, 2013, the Veteran's condition remained rated at 40%. The highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine was granted.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a low back injury, thoracic spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, and right foot disorder. The Veteran's conditions are found to be at least as likely as not related to her military service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder was not shown in service or for many years thereafter and is not otherwise etiologically related to active duty service.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar disorder has been linked to an injury that pre-dated service, when a car fell on the Veteran’s back. The kidney disorder may have existed prior to service entrance.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical opinions and missing records. Specifically, a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's low back disability is related to service.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a low back injury, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service and were more likely caused by post-service employment.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, as it is unclear whether his current condition is related to an in-service spinal injection or if it is secondary to his service-connected bilateral foot disabilities.