Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's lumbar spine ankylosing spondylitis is currently rated at 10% and denied for a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's right hip ankylosing spondylitis limitation of flexion is currently rated at 10% and denied for a higher evaluation. From October 7, 2014, the Veteran's right hip ankylosing spondylitis limitation of extension is granted with a separate 10% rating.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and denied an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's left ankle disability is not service-connected, while his lumbar spine disability remains under review.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's spine strain, hypertension, varicose veins, and gout. The Veteran is also being asked to provide information about his treatment records from private providers.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings on several conditions, including a foot disorder, lumbar disc disease, right ankle condition, right shoulder acromioclavicular separation with impingement syndrome, left lower shin disability, and headaches. The appeal was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, requiring a new one.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right hand disorders, but has remanded them due to insufficient evidence. The low back disorder claim is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for higher ratings in several service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hip disabilities, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right lower extremity radiculopathy, sensorineural hearing loss of the right ear, and adjustment disorder with depressed mood, require additional evidence. The Veteran is to be scheduled for examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee and low back disabilities, but denied service connection for a cervical spine disability. The Veteran's left knee condition is related to his military service, while the low back condition is also linked to service. However, there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of a cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbar spine disability, and right lower extremity radiculopathy, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and further development is needed.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. The Veteran also has a TDIU effective November 30, 2015. His right and left knee disabilities are rated based on their severity.

The Board has denied service connection for a right wrist disability, left hip disability, lumbar spine disability, left ankle disability, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (diagnosed as depression).,There is no evidence of any current disabilities related to the Veteran's claimed conditions. The preponderance of the evidence does not support finding that these conditions began during service or are otherwise related to in-service injuries.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show that her condition met or approximated the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine due to additional development and readjudication.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current low back disability is related to her military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination opinions and a lack of substantial compliance with previous remands. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is being reviewed again.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied, and the effective date for the current ratings remains April 26, 2016.

The Board denied service connection for low back and left foot disabilities, finding that the conditions did not manifest within one year of separation from active duty or were not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is reopened, but the case is remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and an examination to determine if his back condition is related to his service-connected left ankle disability.