Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasons and bases provided in its July 2017 remand order, specifically regarding whether there was substantial compliance with the requirements for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's lumbar strain disability is rated under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The appeal was denied as his current condition does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion due to pain, as it does not affect some aspect of 'the normal working movements of the body' such as 'excursion, strength, speed, coordination, and endurance'.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, and bilateral knee disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions in the previous decision.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to assess the severity of the Veteran's postoperative DDD of the thoracolumbar spine with strain and RLE radiculopathy, as well as any related peripheral nerve involvement. The issues are all inextricably intertwined and must be remanded for concurrent consideration.

The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is granted. Service connection for PTSD and tinnitus are also granted. The claim for service connection for a back condition and bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the combined effect of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employment, specifically as a production worker in an automotive vehicle engine plant from February 2006 to February 2017.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension due to a lack of evidence showing it began during service or is related to herbicide exposure. The neck and back disorder claims are remanded as the VA examiner's opinions were insufficient.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20% effective November 18, 2019. The claim for GERD service connection is denied. The claims for lumbar spine and left knee DJD are remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of various disabilities as they are all related to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's 20 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy is restored, effective December 10, 2019. A TDIU from October 10, 2007 to April 21, 2010 is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee, lumbar spine, and bilateral shin splint disorders due to incomplete medical opinions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional treatment records and provide an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for low back and bilateral knee conditions due to insufficient medical opinions and missing Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for back and neck disabilities, as well as for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and left lower extremity. The Veteran is also being asked to provide any additional pertinent evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for her back disability prior to January 26, 2016, and entitlement to a TDIU for additional development due to inadequate September 2017 VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has granted service connection for PFB. The right knee disability is also granted as secondary to left knee patellofemoral syndrome and osteoarthritis. Other claims are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder condition, left shoulder scar, and back condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records related to a September 2018 rear-end accident and physical therapy. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability is being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine has been increased to a 20 percent rating effective May 13, 2010. The appeal for a higher disability rating remains before the Board.

The Board has ordered a new examination for the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine and both feet disabilities due to incomplete examination reports. The issues of increased ratings remain in remand status.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence to decide if the Veteran's back disability is related to his military service. The VA must provide a medical opinion on this issue.