Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and associated left lower extremity radiculopathy are not rated higher than 20 percent.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease was granted a 20 percent evaluation prior to February 6, 2018. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating and remanded for further examination on the issue of whether a higher evaluation is warranted after February 6, 2018.

The Veteran's cervical disability, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral shin splints or tibial stress fractures are all granted as service-connected.,Service connection is established for a cervical disability due to active service. The Veteran also has secondary service connection for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy related to his cervical disability. Service connection is not established for bilateral shin splints or tibial stress fractures.

The claim for service connection for a low back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development of records.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a low back disability due to new and material evidence. The case is now remanded for further examination and medical opinion.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar and cervical spine degenerative disc diseases, chronic headaches, sinusitis, right hip disability, traumatic brain injury residuals, auditory processing disorder, and psychiatric disabilities. The remand requires obtaining relevant medical records from Social Security Administration and the Okaloosa Vet Center.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back condition, left knee condition, and right ankle condition due to insufficient rationale in the July 2019 VA opinion. The Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee disability remains denied.

Your service connection claims for a low back disability and a neck disability have already been granted. The RO has assigned a 20% evaluation effective February 24, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease and scoliosis were denied increased evaluations, with the exception of a separate rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity being granted at 20 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for further development, including an additional VA examination.

The Board has dismissed all issues related to increased ratings on an extraschedular basis for various back and knee conditions as the appellant withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran is granted a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and gunshot wound residuals. He is denied a special home adaptation grant as he meets the criteria for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is granted service connection as secondary to his lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, prior to November 17, 2014, was denied an increased evaluation in excess of 60 percent. From November 17, 2014, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted a 100 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right knee limitation of motion, lumbar spine disability, and right hip degenerative arthritis due to inadequate examination reports. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a lumbar spine disorder, left foot plantar fasciitis, and bilateral hearing loss are granted. The claim for initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis is rated at 20 percent, effective September 13, 2019. From that date onwards, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding no current diagnosis and noting that any past injury in service did not result in a chronic condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD, and a low back disability have been denied as there is no competent evidence showing that the disabilities are related to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected thoracolumbar strain with degenerative changes is being remanded due to the need for an examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, but the Board denied a higher rating.,Prior to March 8, 2013, the Veteran was granted a 50 percent rating for his anxiety and cognitive disorder, but not more. The Board also denied a higher rating for epilepsy prior to that date.,Beginning March 8, 2013, the Veteran's epilepsy is rated as 80 percent disabling.