Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to its symptoms being within the range of what is considered adequate compensation.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathies are each rated at 20 percent, effective July 8, 2020. The Veteran’s back scar is rated at 10 percent prior to June 18, 2019, and the rating for this condition will be reconsidered due to a change in VA regulations. Service connection for a left knee disability and PTSD are both remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted, and the claims for other conditions are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The issues of service connection for various disabilities are now pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back and neck disabilities have been granted. The Board found that the evidence supports a nexus between the current disabilities and service, with continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to incomplete information from a previous VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back and right knee disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions in previous decisions. The new opinions must be provided with adequate rationale, addressing specific evidence.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to inadequate development of his medical records and the need for a new opinion regarding his service-connected back condition. The Board also refers the case for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back and neck disabilities, finding that it is at least as likely as not that these conditions were incurred during her military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding secondary service connection.

The Board has ordered the claims remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and uncompleted examinations. The Veteran needs to cooperate in scheduling new examinations for his lumbar spine disorder, sleep disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, nasal polyps, and headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate examination and missing records. The Veteran is seeking higher disability ratings for his lumbar and cervical spine disabilities.

The appeal involving the veteran's claims for plantar callosities, end stage renal disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, back disability, and right and left leg disorders including a vascular condition has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection for sick sinus syndrome with pacemaker and evaluation of lumbar disc disease. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also pending.

The Board has determined that more development is needed to determine if the Veteran's back/spine disability is service-connected. The case is being remanded for additional examination and review of records.

Your appeal has been resolved in full, and no further action is needed as your claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional records and provide a VA medical opinion.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service and there are no chronic symptoms of arthritis noted during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, except for his lumbar spine disability which may impact sedentary work. The Board finds the Veteran is not entitled to TDIU prior to April 23, 2018.