Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear evidence regarding whether the reduction in rating for lower back disability from 40 to 20 percent was proper. The Veteran's improvement in range of motion testing around January 2015 is noted, but there is uncertainty about whether this improvement allowed him to function better at work.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lumbar strain, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to incomplete development.

The appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is granted. The issues of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and an upper respiratory disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings of his service-connected low back disability and lower extremity radiculopathy is remanded. Additionally, the TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his myofascial low back pain with degenerative joint disease are being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a back disability and a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) due to insufficient evidence or lack of examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbar spine disability should be remanded to allow for further review and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for left knee disability, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right knee disability, left lower extremity sciatica, and right lower extremity sciatica as secondary to a left knee disability. Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depression).,Service connection was denied for all claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for back disability and bilateral knee disability due to conflicting evidence and lack of a clear nexus.

The Board dismissed the appeal concerning special monthly compensation based on Aid And Attendance/Housebound due to the appellant's withdrawal. The appeals for service connection and increased rating were also withdrawn.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of a herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbosacral spine, as secondary to a service-connected knee condition due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate VA medical evidence in a previous examination. The Veteran needs an updated VA spine examination, including neurological consult if necessary, to assess his current back disability severity and functional impairment.

The Veteran's ulcerative colitis is granted service connection. The Board also remanded the issue of secondary service connection for degenerative joint disease of the hips and lumbar spine due to his ulcerative colitis or exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp LeJeune.

Service connection for a lumbar spine condition and neck condition is granted.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD, anxiety, and depression) is remanded.

The Veteran's back disability is being remanded for a new examination to comply with the requirements of 38 C.F.R. § 4.59, which mandates range of motion studies in both active and passive motion, and in weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development and requests for clarification on service connection for right and left hip disabilities, as well as a disability rating for lumbosacral spine issues. The effective date of TDIU and DEA awards is also in question.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to outstanding private treatment records and the need for updated VA examinations. The claims file will be reviewed, additional evidence obtained, and a new examination conducted.

The Veteran's back disability is not manifested by unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, and he did not have incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks during a 12-month period. Therefore, his claim for a higher rating was denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is granted, effective October 22, 2013. The decision is based on his service-connected psychiatric disability and other disabilities reaching a combined total of 60 percent or greater.