Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a separate rating for spinal stenosis associated with his service-connected low back disability, and has remanded the claims for increased ratings for multiple herniated discs of the lumbar spine with bilateral radiculopathy and TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, right arm disorder, and left arm disorder. The Board found that there was no credible evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.,The Board also denied the Veteran's claim for increased evaluation for cervical spine degenerative arthritis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and initial compensable evaluation due to insufficient evidence from a previous VA examination. The Veteran needs to undergo new examinations to determine the current severity of his lumbar spine disability and residual scar.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for service connection for a lower back condition, frostbite residuals (claimed as pain), depression, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal by signing an Appeals Satisfaction Notice, indicating satisfaction with the granted ratings for his back disability and bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability is related to service or her service-connected right foot disability.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of rectal cancer, low back condition, and parathyroid condition. The conditions were not found to be related to service or due to exposure to herbicides.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease and TDIU due to issues not being addressed in a subsequent Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a back condition and TDIU due to the need for further development, including obtaining a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back and cervical spine conditions due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is found to be so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation.

Your claims for service connection have been remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The outcome of these claims may affect your SMC claim, so both are being reviewed together.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine due to insufficient evidence in the record, including a lack of recent VA examination.

The claims of service connection for various conditions, including TBI, seizure disorder, lower back disability, and others are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent prior to January 27, 2015 and 10 percent thereafter. The Veteran asserts entitlement to higher ratings for all periods on appeal.,A 40 percent rating should be granted for the entire period of appeal as the evidence shows forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine is less than or equal to 30 degrees.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral leg disability, low back disability, and hypertension. The claim for tinnitus was granted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, a low back disorder (including IVDS), and left ear hearing loss. The claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's conditions. The VA examiner is required to provide additional opinions on whether the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service, including cold injuries and abdominal aneurysm repair.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine prior to August 3, 2017, and 40 percent since, as well as for bilateral hearing loss.