Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure of the Veteran to appear for a VA examination. The matter is now back with the Board.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's low back disability, right leg sciatica, neck disability, and right arm numbness are all in question.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the dates of INACDUTRA periods and the need for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the lumbar spine disorders.

The Veteran's rating reduction for lumbar strain from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective June 1, 2017, was improper. The 20 percent rating is restored. The Veteran is seeking a disability rating greater than 20 percent for her service-connected lumbar strain and the case is remanded for an additional VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current back disability was caused or aggravated by his service-connected ventral hernia or right fifth metatarsal fracture residuals.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was denied an increased rating to more than 20 percent.,The Veteran's right foot hallux valgus and left foot hallux valgus were both denied increased ratings to more than 10 percent.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection claims and evaluations for various conditions. Effective dates have been granted for PTSD, nephrolithiasis, tinnitus, lumbar degenerative disc disease, obstructive sleep apnea, unequal leg length, and hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of degenerative arthrosis, right hand disability, DDD, lumbar spine, and tinnitus did not have their onset in service or within a year of separation. The preponderance of evidence is against finding any direct relationship between these conditions and active military service.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, back, and right foot disorders. The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions were not established during or within one year after his separation from active duty.,Service treatment records did not document any complaints related to the claimed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his active duty service. The right shoulder disability issue is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's lumbar stenosis with arthritis has been rated at 20 percent since January 19, 2012. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating as there was no ankylosis or forward flexion to 30 degrees or less.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board has granted entitlement to TDIU effective April 1, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations. The issues of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, back condition, tinnitus, headache condition, COPD, stomach issues, and bilateral knee condition are being returned to the RO for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives and a need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, but denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and low back disorder and bilateral knee disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for dementia, vertigo (lightheadedness/dizziness), migraines, and abdominal scar. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, bilateral bunionectomies, gout, hypothyroidism, heart disease, hypertension, left hand arthritis, right knee arthritis, left knee arthritis, and lumbar spine disability are denied as not related to service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain has not resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine of 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or of the entire spine. Therefore, his claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to an injury he sustained during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with grade I spondylolisthesis and a lumbar scar do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing.

The Board has granted an effective date of February 27, 1972 for the grant of service connection for a lumbar spine injury with degenerative joint disease. This decision is based on the Veteran's intent to file a claim prior to his discharge from active duty.