Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating prior to July 6, 2015, finding that his inability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment was not due to his service-connected disabilities.

Service connection for cold weather injury, residuals of frostbite to the bilateral hands is denied.,Service connection for a lumbar spine disorder is denied.,Service connection for a cold weather injury, residuals of frostbite to the bilateral feet is remanded.

The Board has decided that the claims for right wrist, back, and knee disorders are remanded due to inadequate examinations. The Veteran's right hip disorder is also being reviewed.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain with degenerative disc disease, status post fusion, was incurred during a motorcycle accident during active service and is granted as direct service connection.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated treatment records and provide an appropriate VA examination for the Veteran's lumbar spine strain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for back disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding his in-service visits and a motor vehicle accident.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical degenerative joint disease, thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease with compression fracture of T8, left foot scar, right shoulder strain with acromioclavicular joint separation, and left foot status-post tendon rupture with repair with degenerative joint disease of the calcaneus. The remand requires additional medical opinions to address the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss disability has been denied. The claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for lumbar spine, cervical joint, right index finger, and right little finger disabilities have also been remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet schedular requirements for a higher rating, except for his painful midback scar which was granted a 10% rating.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected chronic lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, finding that the Veteran's disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on current symptoms and range of motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection on appeal must be remanded due to incomplete development and verification of his National Guard service periods.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: the first is about a compensable rating for reactive arthritis, claimed as Reiter's syndrome, affecting multiple joints; and the second is about an increased rating for low back disability. Both cases require further examination and evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a lower back condition and a respiratory condition, including COPD. Additional STRs from the Veteran's first period of service need to be obtained, and if available, a supplemental medical nexus opinion will be needed.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various knee and back disorders have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his back disability is denied. The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on appeal have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board will need to gather more information and determine if the Veteran has a valid claim for these conditions.

The Board has found that the VA examinations and opinions provided are inadequate, particularly regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbosacral spine, left knee, right knee, and eye disabilities. The claims for these conditions are therefore remanded to allow for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent for a mental disorder (insomnia with major depressive disorder) since August 21, 2012.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional evidence.