Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected lumbar spine disability from June 13, 2009 to August 28, 2016 was denied. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion and intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbosacral spine and his service. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbosacral strain due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and scoliosis, finding that the current disorders are not related to service or any in-service injury.

The Board denied a rating greater than 20 percent for the appellant's service-connected cervical spine disability and an initial rating of more than 30 percent for his headaches. The claim for entitlement to TDIU was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a back disability, finding that there was no evidence showing a link between his in-service injury and his current condition. The Board also found that the post-service record did not show any continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has dismissed all issues on appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The lumbar disability was rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic codes. The left lower extremity radiculopathy claim did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has found that the Veteran's low back condition is not related to service, and has remanded the cases for further development regarding hemorrhoids and right wrist conditions.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection of right ankle, lumbar spine, left elbow, and sleep disorders. The Veteran will be provided with new VA examinations to address his symptoms and diagnoses.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is granted service connection. The back, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral knee disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar strain and osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, but remanded the issue of service connection for chronic sinusitis due to new evidence added without a waiver.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a back disability and bilateral leg disability due to incomplete verification of duty status during National Guard service, and the need for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability. The Veteran is seeking service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lower back and left knee disabilities, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between her current conditions and her military service.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder and back disabilities, finding that the Veteran had injuries during active duty which resulted in current disabilities.,Service connection was denied for TBI and migraine headaches as there is no evidence of a current disability related to military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to inadequate examination findings.

The Veteran's original claim for bilateral ear condition was denied in January 1980. New and material evidence has been submitted to reopen this claim.,The issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted sufficient to reopen a claim for entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disability is remanded.,The Veteran's low back disability, including degenerative disc disease and spondylosis at L5-S1, is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's neck disability, including cervical spondylosis and cervical, thoracic, and lumbar lordosis, is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's neuropathy and/or radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's neuropathy and/or radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's neuropathy and/or radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's neuropathy and/or radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that there was insufficient compliance with its prior remand and the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability must be remanded again. The VA examiner is requested to provide an addendum opinion considering all available evidence, including the Veteran's lay statements, hearing testimony, post-service medical records, and other pertinent evidence.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and lumbosacral spine degenerative joint disease with disc protrusion are all denied initial ratings in excess of the currently assigned ratings.,Higher initial ratings for these conditions are not warranted based on the evidence of record.