Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and service connection for a left shoulder disability.

The claim for service connection for a back condition is remanded. The claims for degenerative arthritis of the neck and an unspecified head condition manifested as bilateral hearing loss are also remanded. The issue regarding whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for traumatic arthritis of the right knee remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar strain disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his condition, including any flare-ups and functional loss.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lower back disability was denied prior to April 2, 2020. After April 2, 2020, the Veteran's claim for a higher rating was also denied. The Board granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve as secondary to his service-connected lower back disability and granted TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues with service connection for a low back disability, including concerns about substantial compliance and need for updated medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the lumbar spine or current neurological impairments other than service-connected sciatica, and thus no higher rating was warranted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for lumbar strain, bilateral knees, and ankles, as well as her effective date claims. Additional development is needed due to new VA examinations conducted in September 2020.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there was no evidence of a current disability, and the Board found that his hearing impairment did not begin during service or be related to in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran's claim for back disability is denied as there was no evidence of a current disability, and the Board found that his back condition did not begin during service or be related to in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to inadequate VA medical opinions addressing the cumulative effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability. A new opinion is needed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current back condition and his military service. The right ankle condition issue was remanded due to lack of medical records in the record.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating at any time from February 22, 2014.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities. Service connection was granted for tinnitus.,Service connection was not established for the Veteran's low back, neck, or knee conditions as they are not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's hypertension, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy associated with DDD of the lumbar spine, and bilateral knee arthritis have been granted service connection. Service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability and bilateral ankle disability has not been established.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination. The issues include low back disability, neck disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and headaches.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 8, 2019. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding his unemployability due to these conditions.

The Veteran's right foot disability is rated at a 10 percent rating since April 4, 2017. His lumbar spine condition remains denied.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to exposure to toxins, as well as his knee and back disabilities. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine and cervical spine due to his death.