Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied, and he is currently rated at 30 percent. A separate 10 percent rating was granted for left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar strain with arthritis, torn medial meniscus of the right knee, and left knee tibia/fibula fracture to obtain additional development as requested in prior remand directives.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings of right and left knee disabilities, low back disability, and sciatica in both lower extremities due to failure of the August 2020 examiner to distinguish symptoms and impacts on functioning from each other and from other service-connected and non-service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inconsistencies in the evidence and need for clarification regarding the severity of his service-connected degenerative disc disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate range of motion testing in previous examinations. The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee DJD, as well as his back disability, are being reviewed.

The Board has determined that further action is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine and left wrist disabilities, including obtaining additional medical evidence and conducting new examinations. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that it did not have its onset during service and is not otherwise related to service. The pre-existing condition was also found not to be aggravated by service.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for DDD of the cervical spine, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the August 2020 medical opinion, specifically regarding whether the Veteran's in-service injury and complaints were the onset of his arthritis, and whether they are related to service. The case is now before the Board for further consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of pilonidal cyst and denied service connection for lumbar degenerative disease with radiculopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral flat feet, but remanded the issues of service connection for low back condition and bilateral shin splints (claimed as a stomach condition).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that there is no evidence of arthritis during or within one year after service and concluding that his current degenerative arthritis is more likely due to aging and post-service occupations.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for lumbar myositis is being remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee pain, right knee pain, and a back disability due to the Veteran's service in Southwest Asia. The conditions are presumed related to his active duty.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his low back disability and radiculopathies of the lower extremities was denied. The TDIU claim prior to January 14, 2014, was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and updating the Veteran's employment history.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diverticulitis. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claim for service connection for a back disability.,Service connection was not granted for the Veteran's current diverticulitis, as there is no evidence of a nexus between the condition and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar disability prior to October 25, 2019 was denied. The VA examination did not provide sufficient information on functional loss due to pain or flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back disability and bilateral leg disability due to insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran's claims are inextricably intertwined, so both must be resolved before further action can be taken.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since October 6, 2016. The appeal is remanded for further development including additional VA examinations to assess the current severity of his left shoulder and back disabilities.