Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has ordered the Veteran to be scheduled for VA examinations regarding his claims for obstructive sleep apnea and degenerative disc disease, both of which are secondary to service-connected hyperthyroidism. The examination results will determine if these conditions were present during or as a result of military service.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to incomplete records and the need for further verification of the Veteran's Reserve service periods.

The Veteran's lumbar disc syndrome and sciatic neuropathy were denied increased ratings, with the exception of a separate 10 percent rating for radiculopathy in both lower extremities as of January 24, 2014.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 40 percent for a lumbar spine disability, a rating in excess of 20 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, scars as residuals of hernia surgery, a dental condition, a lower back condition, and a left foot condition. Service connection was granted for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for a back disability was denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis has been rated at 10 percent since July 2006. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating, as her range of motion was within the limits for a 10 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's request to reopen the issue of service connection for a lumbar spine disability is granted. The Board also remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and an updated VA opinion.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder as it had already been granted in a previous rating decision.,Service connection was denied for bilateral knee disability, hypertension, and headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a low back disability, including as secondary to service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. The case is being returned for further development and an addendum medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims due to inadequate VA examinations and insufficient medical opinions.,The Veteran asserts that his conditions are related to service or secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine arthritis, finding that the condition originated during active service and continued to present. The Veteran's low back pain was noted in his service treatment records (STRs) prior to retirement from active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee condition, left knee condition, low back strain, and migraines. The claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a new VA examination to assess whether the Veteran's back condition is related to his in-service motor vehicle accident while serving in the National Guard.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee and back disabilities, as well as his claim for service connection for sleep apnea. The cases are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding functional loss and symptomatology related to the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle and low back disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to June 12, 2015. The Board has granted TDIU on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, athlete’s foot, and left side paralysis.,The appellant's claims were remanded to obtain additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development and examination.,Specifically, the Board finds that substantial compliance with its previous directives has not been met in several areas.

The Veteran's initial rating for lumbar DDD and DJD is denied. The claim for service connection of a left knee disorder is remanded.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other factors. The claim is dismissed.