Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions and a TDIU have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, left leg disorder, right leg disorder, left shoulder disorder, and right shoulder disorder. The Veteran did not have any diagnosed conditions related to these issues during or after his military service.,Service connection was also denied for COPD. The Veteran claimed exposure to diesel exhaust fumes and asbestos, but the Board found no evidence of such exposures in the record.

The Board denied service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, finding that the conditions are not related to service. The Veteran's symptoms began after a 2008 motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's disability rating for lumbar DDD with lumbar dextroscoliosis was reduced from 40 percent to 20 percent, effective January 1, 2019. The reduction is not proper and the original 40 percent rating is restored.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 20 percent rating for his back disability is denied as a matter of law. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's lumbosacral strain had its onset during active duty service and is related to his current condition.

The Veteran's DDD with left lower extremity radiculopathy (IVDS) is granted from March 31, 2009 to October 8, 2013. From October 8, 2013 to September 26, 2019, a rating of 20 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted. The Veteran's hypogonadism is granted as secondary to DDD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, the claims for service connection for a back disability, neck disability, and right shoulder disability are still pending as they require further examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right foot disorder, a right ankle disorder, and a low back disorder due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions as being related to service.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent prior to April 10, 2015 and increased to 40 percent thereafter. Service connection for ischemic heart disease was granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, finding no evidence to support his assertions or that his conditions are related to service. The Veteran was granted a TDIU and basic eligibility for Dependents' Education Assistance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, and bilateral eye condition due to potential exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The claims are being reviewed again with a focus on obtaining medical opinions addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease and radiculopathy of the lower right extremity, finding that both conditions are related to active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims for thoracolumbar strain, sciatic radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, and TDIU. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are being reviewed to determine if higher ratings can be granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his back condition, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU due to inadequate development in previous examinations. The Veteran is also required to provide additional private treatment records from Dr. G.W.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient explanation for choosing January 8, 2018 as the effective date for increasing the Veteran's cervical spine disability rating beyond 20 percent. The VA examiner is requested to provide a retrospective opinion on the severity of the Veteran’s cervical spine disability prior to January 8, 2018.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals for service connection and increased rating claims.

The Veteran is granted a 30 percent disability rating for cervical spine spondylosis prior to March 8, 2018 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter. The Veteran's right wrist degenerative joint disease does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.,A 30 percent disability rating is granted for PTSD from June 1, 2010 to September 10, 2014. A higher rating is denied.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and earlier effective dates have been dismissed. A rating of 50 percent has been granted for posttraumatic cephalgia with migraine headaches from September 19, 2011 to June 17, 2014.