Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 20 percent for DDD with spondylosis and foraminal stenosis is granted.,A separate rating for radiculopathy, left lower extremity, is also granted.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a TDIU since March 29, 2016. The remaining issues of increased ratings for various disabilities are remanded due to the need for updated treatment records from Dr. J.K.

The Veteran's increased ratings claims for lumbar spine disability and retinal scars were partially granted. The rating for IVDS with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine at L5-S1 was increased to 20 percent effective February 25, 2020, while a higher rating for the same condition prior to that date was denied.

Service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine is granted, while service connection for a right knee disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate opinions and new evidence, including a possible link between his cervical spine disability and service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to August 6, 2013 is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration by VA’s Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran's back and neck pain, characterized as muscles spasms and pain, is rated at an initial 10 percent for each condition secondary to service-connected panic disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for multiple musculoskeletal disabilities, including cervical strain, multilevel DJD and DDD of the lumbar spine, left shoulder arthritis, right shoulder tendonitis, left hip arthritis, right hip trochanteric pain syndrome, bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome, bilateral lateral collateral ligament sprain, and left foot Morton’s neuroma. Service connection for hearing loss was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding functional loss and lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to address these issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to the possibility of a secondary service connection for the Veteran's low back disability based on his postoperative pilonidal cyst.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disability and remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral eye condition and special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance.,Further development is needed to determine if any diagnosed disabilities had onset during, or were otherwise caused by, active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to issues with notification and scheduling of VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for his low back disability prior to December 10, 2019. The Veteran's appeal was also denied for a higher rating from December 10, 2019.,The Veteran's appeal was remanded for the issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to August 16, 2016.

The Veteran's cervical spine DJD is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board denied a higher rating due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less.,Prior to October 9, 2019, the Veteran's lumbosacral spine DJD was rated at 20 percent. Since then, it has been rated at 10 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to missing VA treatment records and a need for another examination.

The Veteran's residuals of a head injury are granted service connection, while the low back disorder is denied. The initial evaluation for PTSD prior to September 25, 2015 is granted at 70 percent, but an evaluation higher than 70 percent on and after that date is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's current condition and its impact on his service-connected osteoarthritis of the thoracolumbar spine. The Veteran was injured at work, which may have worsened his condition.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, but denied service connection for cellulitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during or immediately after his military service and insufficient medical evidence to link any current condition to his service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for pseudofolliculitis barbae and lumbar spine condition due to incomplete examination reports. The Veteran's history of Kenalog injection treatments and scarring associated with PFB need to be discussed, as well as the Veteran’s testimony regarding his low-back conditions.