Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back pain and resulting functional impairment were incurred during service, granting service connection for a low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination findings regarding the Veteran's service-connected low back disability. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his disability and provide a full description of all relevant pathology.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to incomplete examination findings. A new VA examination is needed to assess the severity and functional impairment caused by this condition.

The Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine was rated at 10 percent prior to September 20, 2014 and at 40 percent thereafter. The Veteran received a higher initial rating of 20 percent for LLER effective May 15, 2019. A TDIU was granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's cervical and thoracolumbar spine disorders are granted service connection as they were aggravated in service. The right knee disability and bilateral foot disorder, including plantar fasciitis, are remanded for further examination.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including upper and lower jawbone loss, status post nasal cartilage fracture with anosmia, right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis with degenerative joint disease, left knee strain with degenerative arthritis, right knee strain and degenerative joint disease, and lumbosacral strain. The Board found the evidence did not support a service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, hammertoes, a lumbar spine disability, left and right hip replacements, and pelvic pain due to duty to assist errors. The Veteran is required to have her service treatment records from 1992 obtained, and she needs to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has found that there are errors in the decision regarding service connection for low back disability, bilateral hip disability, and right leg disability. The Veteran's claims will be remanded to allow for a VA examination and additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded for additional examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD, lumbar spine disorder, bronchitis, left fifth finger fracture, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and bilateral shin splints.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, while his back disability and sleep apnea are denied. The bilateral hearing loss and hypertension claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to readjudicate service connection for tinnitus and a low back condition. Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but the issue of service connection for a low back condition is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a duty to assist error regarding the service connection for his low back condition. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine if the current low back condition is related to service.

The Veteran's ratings for lumbar spine disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy were reduced from 20% to 10%, effective January 1, 2020. The appeal is denied as the reduction was proper.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for his service-connected lumbar spondylosis and bilateral pes planus have been dismissed as the Veteran has expressed satisfaction with the current evaluations and effective dates.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to readjudicate service connection for tinnitus and a low back condition. Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but the issue of service connection for a low back condition is remanded due to a lack of a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding functional loss during flare-ups. The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative joint disease is being reviewed again for a proper assessment.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, as well as his claimed conditions.