Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

Your claim for service connection for cervical spondylosis and degenerative disc disease has been granted, but the appeal is dismissed as there are no remaining issues to review.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis is rated at 40 percent effective September 4, 2020. His radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities are each rated at 20 percent effective September 4, 2020.

The Veteran's PTSD and TDIU claims are granted. The claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral strain is remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective March 1, 2016. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence does not support an increase in his current rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance of another person due to the functional limitations, including inability to prepare meals, manage finances, and perform necessary hygiene tasks.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back disability, leg pain, and heart, vein, or artery disability. The Veteran's hepatitis C was found to be cured and no longer requiring treatment, leading to a reduction in his rating from 10% to 0%.

The Veteran's attempt to claim an earlier effective date for a lumbar spine disability is dismissed as it lacks legal merit.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy remain at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims of service connection for a back disability and right shoulder disability. The claims are now remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of PTSD and bilateral foot disability, as well as service connection for various conditions, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for PTSD or bilateral foot disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back conditions. The claim will be reviewed again with a new VA examination.

The Veteran's other specified bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD are granted service connection. A higher rating of 70 percent is granted for PTSD. Service connection for COPD, asthma, hypertension, lumbar spine disability, and right arm disability is remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine is granted, as the evidence is in relative equipoise regarding whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and duty to assist errors. The Veteran needs VA examinations for his right arm, back, neck, and left ankle disorders.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back, right leg, and left leg disorders due to potential issues with the presumption of soundness on entry into service.

For the period prior to May 11, 2018, a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is denied.,Effective May 11, 2018, a 40 percent rating for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is granted.,For the period prior to July 3, 2018, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter, ratings in excess of 10 percent are denied for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve.,For the period prior to July 3, 2018, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter, ratings in excess of 10 percent are denied for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve.,For the period prior to July 3, 2018, a rating in excess of 20 percent is denied for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve.,For the period prior to July 3, 2018, a rating in excess of 20 percent is denied for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve.,Effective March 3, 2012, a 100 percent rating for respiratory disability (calcified granulomas and COPD) is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's service-connected knee and back disabilities, as well as his TDIU claim. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD rated at 50%, resulted in a combined rating of 90% from October 13, 2016 to October 13, 2017. The Board granted a TDIU rating for this period based on the severity and cumulative effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back conditions. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his low back strain, degenerative arthritis, disc disease, spondylosis, ankylosis, and stenosis.