Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection of a back disability due to lack of new and material evidence, as the Veteran's previous denial was based on willful misconduct.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lower back, finding that her symptoms have been continuous since service separation and meeting the criteria for presumptive service connection due to arthritis. The rating assigned and effective date are not specified.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate prior examination.,Service connection is denied for hearing loss and heart condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not present a disability picture indicating that TDIU is warranted. The Board finds the preponderance of evidence against her claim for a TDIU prior to January 20, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis and stenosis, as well as obstructive sleep apnea. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service parachute jumps and associated landings, which are considered to have caused his current disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss in the right ear, but has remanded the issues of service connection for DJD of the lumbar spine and DJD of the right knee due to conflicting opinions from VA examiners.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease is rated at 40 percent from March 23, 2015 due to favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate examination, and a new one must be conducted by an appropriate clinician using a goniometer.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back disorder is related to his service-connected bilateral foot and lower extremity disorders, resulting in a change in gait.,The Board has also determined that the Veteran's right sciatic radiculopathy is related to his service-connected bilateral foot and lower extremity disorders, resulting in a change in gait.

The Veteran's lower back disability was denied for ratings higher than 10 percent prior to December 2, 2019 and for a rating higher than 40 percent beginning December 2, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical strain, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The TDIU claim is also before the Board.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence linking the current condition to service or any period of active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and nerve damage have been reopened. The Board has ordered remand to obtain additional medical records, including the separation examination report, and to provide an addendum opinion regarding whether these conditions are related to service.

The appeal for service connection of a low back condition is dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left knee and low back disabilities have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence.,The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee DJD is being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes. Additionally, the hip disorder claim must be remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than February 22, 2005 for the grants of service connection for right and left foot plantar fasciitis with heel spurs disabilities are granted.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than February 22, 2005 for the grant of service connection for lumber spine degenerative disc disease is dismissed as withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's left shoulder degenerative joint disease is related to an in-service injury. The claims for a left ankle disability and low back disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to clarify the Veteran's employment status and assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work. The claim will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.