Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy are being remanded for further evaluation as the current evidence suggests a worsening of his condition.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and a higher rating for low back disability have been denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of PTSD, and the VA examiner determined that her symptoms were better explained by major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it has not resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 60 degrees or less, a combined range of motion to 120 degrees or less, ankylosis, or abnormal gait or spinal contour.,The Veteran's residuals of cervical laminectomy do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it has not resulted in forward flexion of the cervical spine to 15 degrees or less or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.,The Veteran's left knee injury, degenerative joint disease does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it has not resulted in dislocated semilunar cartilage, ankylosis, recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, flexion limited to at least 30 degrees, or extension limited to at least 15 degrees.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability was reopened and granted. He also received an increased rating for his diabetic neuropathy, but the issue of service connection for an upper back condition is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including back disability, bilateral leg disabilities, right foot and ankle disabilities, right elbow and wrist disabilities, left rib fracture, neck disability, scalp laceration, and migraine headaches. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for L2-L3 synostosis with degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that the Veteran's congenital condition was aggravated by a head injury during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a low back disability due to incomplete development.,No current diagnosis of a left wrist condition was found during the examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of left knee, back, and neck disabilities as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.,There is no evidence linking the Veteran’s service-connected right knee disability to his left knee, back, or neck disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for lumbar strain with thoracic degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome was denied. The evaluation of the condition prior to October 13, 2014, is still at 20 percent, while on or after that date it is at 40 percent.

The Board granted service connection for a lower back disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and denied an initial compensable rating for his left knee scar.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and awarded a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's left shoulder osteoarthritis with calcified peri-tendinosis. The issues of increased ratings have been remanded.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that there is no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbar strain is rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that this rating does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate findings and reasoning in the previous decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and incomplete medical records. The issues include initial ratings for left shoulder and lumbar spine disabilities, service connection for sinusitis, and secondary service connection for pain and numbness in both legs and feet.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine condition is rated at 40% effective June 30, 2020. His right and left lower extremities neurological disorders (sciatica) are each rated at 20%. The ratings reflect the severity of his symptoms and functional limitations.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's back disability is characterized by forward flexion limited to 25 degrees, falls, and frequent flare-ups of pain that require prolonged bedrest. The Board has granted a rating of 50 percent for degenerative disc disease on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, which is currently rated as noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his lumbar spine disability due to insufficient examination findings regarding flare-ups of pain and functional loss.