Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

An increased disability rating of 20 percent for the service-connected lumbosacral strain (back disability) from April 30, 2007 to April 23, 2019 is granted.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim from August 1, 2014 is granted. The Board also dismissed the issues of increased ratings for lumbar strain post-operative fusion and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity associated with the lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for liver failure, hepatitis C, hypertension, kidney cysts, vision loss, memory loss, bone density loss, osteoporosis, and low back disability are all denied. The claim for service connection for liver failure is reopened due to new evidence submitted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders, bilateral ankle disorder (secondary to knees), and lumbar spine disorder (secondary to knees) due to in-service physical demands during basic training.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and hypertension, as well as his claim for non-service-connected disability pension benefits prior to January 1, 2011. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 10, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hearing loss and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted his claim for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA and SSA records, and a new examination is required.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding that there is not enough evidence to support a causal relationship between his current condition and an in-service injury.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence does not support a nexus to active service.

The Veteran's thoracic and lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent prior to July 17, 2017, and denied for a higher rating.,From July 17, 2017, the Veteran's thoracic and lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent and denied for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent and denied for a higher rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, left knee condition, and low back condition due to new and material evidence. The appeals are remanded as there is insufficient medical examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and a need for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the current diagnosis of degenerative disc disease is not related to military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current back condition had its onset during service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of various conditions as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back and right leg disabilities. The VA will need to provide updated treatment records, a medical opinion on the etiology of the low back disability, and another opinion on the relationship between the right leg disability and service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's request for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right wrist disability and a separate disability rating for bowel incontinence associated with her service-connected back disability are both denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his conditions due to inadequate opinions in previous examinations. The issues include back disorder, right foot injury (recurring sprains), left foot fracture, and recurrent venous thrombosis.