Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neck disorder, syncope, tinnitus, and hypertension have been denied. The claim for increased rating of degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine is remanded.,A total disability rating based on individual employability prior to December 17, 2018 has also been denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and a left lower extremity disorder, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or chronic disability related to these conditions.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain is now rated at 40 percent from March 15, 2013. Her lumbar spine strain remains at a 20 percent rating since July 14, 2008. Service connection for hyperventilation as secondary to her service-connected neck and back disabilities has been granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, rating increases, and effective date determination due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The issues include left lower extremity radiculopathy, low back condition, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his knee and lumbar disabilities were denied. A TDIU was granted effective October 1, 2018.

The Board has denied service connection for left-breast disorder due to the Veteran's misconduct during her period of active service from June 17, 2002 to January 27, 2005. The Board also remanded the issue of increased disability evaluation for lumbar-spine disorder as there is insufficient competent medical evidence on file for a decision.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not develop during or as a result of his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including right knee, finger, ankle, and back issues due to a finding of no diagnosis without considering Saunders v. Wilkie.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of initial disability rating for DJD of the lumbar spine and TDIU.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine kyphosis and limited cervical spine range of motion, both claimed as residuals from treatment for pneumonia with a reaction to drug, need further examination and evaluation. The decision is pending until new evidence can be provided.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of her condition and its impact on her employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for clarification on the nature and cause of the Veteran's spina bifida, including whether it is a current disability. The Board also requested an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran’s low back condition (or lumbar disc L4 and spina bifida).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine and psychiatric conditions, are not sufficient to render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to meet the percentage requirements for a schedular TDIU and preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The Board has remanded several issues including higher ratings for his lumbar spine strain, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the loss of use of the lower extremities or the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a right knee disability, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.,Service connection was not granted as there is no direct evidence linking the current disabilities to service. The Veteran's post-service treatment records do not show chronic conditions related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease (low back strain) has been reopened and is being remanded due to the presence of new evidence.,Service connection for sleep apnea was denied as there is no clinical diagnosis found in the record.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar disability and the entitlement to TDIU prior to April 19, 2006 due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to military service.

The Board has remanded several issues, including those related to service connection for various conditions and eligibility for financial assistance in purchasing a vehicle or acquiring housing. The main issue is the determination of whether the Veteran's disabilities meet the criteria for Special Monthly Compensation beyond May 2, 2000.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and clarification, including the reopening of a schizophrenia claim and service connection for various psychiatric disorders. The Veteran's right ovary wedge resection is also being addressed with a separate rating.,Additional medical records need to be obtained from SSA and attempts should be made to obtain her full service personnel records.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as he did not meet the schedular criteria and there is no evidence of unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.