Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis was previously denied, but new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim. The issue is remanded for further development.,Service connection for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was denied due to lack of exposure to herbicides in service. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary bypass surgery was also denied as there is no evidence of onset within a year of separation from service or causal relationship.,Service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis was reopened based on new evidence suggesting an onset within one year of service. The Veteran's other conditions were not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and clarification of her service history.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability is rated at 20 percent since April 8, 2008. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis and service connection for a lower back condition was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of current disability or in-service injury related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the service connection issues of hypertension, a back condition, a heart condition, neuropathy of the arms, hands, and legs, dementia, and tinnitus due to pending issues related to cause of death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating and service connection due to incomplete examinations, lack of opinion regarding secondary service connection, and need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, bilateral hip conditions, and bilateral knee disorders, render him unemployable. The Board granted a TDIU based on these disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and requests that additional VA medical records be obtained.

The Veteran's rotoscoliosis of the lumbar spine is granted a 40 percent rating, effective September 26, 2017. The issues regarding higher initial ratings for right lower extremity neuropathy are remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connection, linked to noise exposure in service.,Service connection for the left knee disability and thoracolumbar spine arthritis are both granted. The TURP residuals are also granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and his peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are each rated at 10 percent. The rating for the lumbar spine remains unchanged, while the ratings for the peripheral neuropathies have been increased.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of various disabilities, including a low back disability, right ankle disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and right hip disability, all secondary to residuals of stress fracture of the right third metatarsal. The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back disability due to insufficient evidence in the record regarding the etiology of his current condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and lack of consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his back pain.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for lumbar spine disorder, right and left ankle disorders, higher initial ratings for right and left knee disabilities, and a higher initial rating for residuals of a right inguinal hernia due to incomplete or inadequate examination reports.

The Board has granted service connection for thoracic and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing conditions were aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded two issues related to the Veteran's entitlement to equipment purchases under the VR&E program. The first issue is about a sleep number bed, and the second is about a walk-in tub. Further development is needed for both claims.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with myositis is rated at 20 percent, but the Board has remanded for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the extent of his disability and its impact on his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The remand is in part because the VA medical opinions provided did not adequately address the aggravation prong of the secondary service connection claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability. The case needs further examination and a more complete medical opinion.