Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for a low back condition, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not have its onset in service or within one year of her discharge and is not otherwise related to a period of active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating in the earlier period (October 20, 1995 to July 30, 1996) for his lower back disability and denied service connection for left ankle DJD prior to March 7, 1996.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is granted a 40% rating, and his right knee conditions are denied increased ratings. Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (skin disability) is remanded.

The Veteran's application to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection of a low back condition was granted, and the claim itself was also granted. The Board found that there is at least an equipoise in the evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and benefits are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder. Further development is needed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to June 30, 2014. The case is being remanded due to a lack of complete records from Social Security Administration (SSA).

Your claim for service connection for lumbar spine disability and bilateral pes planus has been granted. Effective June 22, 2015.,Your claims for higher ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and allergic rhinitis are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to scheduling issues, and requests additional documentation. The low back disability claim is being considered up to May 8, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right wrist disability was rated at 10 percent, while the back disability received a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for severely damaged feet, chronic lumbar pain, and arthritis have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions began during or were otherwise related to service.,There is no presumption-based service connection applicable in this case.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to July 20, 2011, and from June 20, 2013, for service-connected degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine due to a lack of a retrospective VA medical opinion addressing functional loss during this time.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial and subsequent disability ratings for his back disability, including DDD of the thoracolumbar spine, is dismissed as he has stated in writing that he is no longer seeking benefits from earlier periods. The appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also dismissed as the Veteran has stated in writing that he is not seeking TDIU benefits from an earlier date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to missing records and incomplete information. The Veteran is asked to provide details about his treatment during service, including any epidural injections and sleep studies.

The Veteran's accrued benefits claim for anxiety disorder has been granted at a 70% rating. The VA is remanding the cases of cervical spine disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, and hypertension for further evaluation.

The Veteran's initial ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and unspecified anxiety disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar osteoarthritis was granted. The claims for residuals of a nasal fracture and residuals of mercury exposure were denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee meniscal tear was granted with an effective date of March 15, 2018. The Board found that the Veteran had previously submitted a claim in September 2008 and provided relevant service records to reconsider the case.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine strain with degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 20 percent, effective December 26, 2013. The Board has remanded the case for further development and rating consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, but the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to incomplete records and need for further clarification.