Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as the special monthly compensation and TDIU claims. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, neck disability, and sleep apnea due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations. The VA is required to obtain new opinions addressing whether these conditions are related to his active service or secondary to his service-connected foot disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is now rated at 40 percent effective January 27, 2014. The Board also granted a TDIU effective May 14, 2010.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The neck claim was remanded, while the back and knee disability claims remain pending.

The Veteran's low back disability has not manifested unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine, and his claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to ratings in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spine myofascial pain syndrome, right lower extremity sacroiliitis with piriformis syndrome, left lower extremity sacroiliitis with piriformis syndrome, and anemia. The Veteran is required to undergo further VA examinations to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back disorder is not related to her service and therefore denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted as secondary to her service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. Her TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran must be provided with another VA examination to assess the severity of his lumbar spine disability, including functional loss during flare-ups and repetitive use.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Parkinson's disease and related tremors, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since January 22, 2018.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability and sinusitis due to insufficient development. The cases are sent back for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's initial rating for spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, and lumbar spondylosis with myelopathy is granted at a 40 percent rating since May 14, 2001.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, effective April 1, 2011. The RO denied an increased rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

Service connection is denied for a back disorder.,Service connection is denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and PTSD.,Service connection is denied for an eye disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is rated at 40% effective February 2, 2018. The right and left knee disabilities are each rated at 10%. These ratings are being remanded due to inadequate examinations.,A new VA examination is needed for the Veteran’s lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, and left knee joint. The Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for an additional medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbosacral strain and because VA treatment records from the Social Security Administration are needed.

The Board has denied service connection for a right knee disorder, finding that the Veteran did not have such a condition during or after his military service. The cervical spine and low back disorders are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to February 24, 2011.