Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's right knee scars are not associated with underlying soft tissue damage and do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,There is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran’s low back disorder or left knee disorder are related to service. The Veteran should be provided another opportunity for an examination.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with depression, which may be related to his in-service motorcycle accident. A VA examination is needed to assess the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders.,VA examinations are needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right knee arthritis and instability.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for low back disability, COPD, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss due to potential new information regarding herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The Veteran's claims are not yet decided.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disorder, identified as osteoarthritis, finding that it is related to his in-service injury and resolving any doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease with myofascial pain syndrome is not rated higher than 20 percent. For the period from December 29, 2016 to May 14, 2018, a 20 percent rating for thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease with myofascial pain syndrome has been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability, left knee disability, and diabetes mellitus, type 2 due to inadequate VA examinations. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent prior to December 20, 2018 and at 20 percent thereafter. The effective date for the separate award of LLE radiculopathy has been granted from July 19, 2018.,The Veteran's left knee DJD and right knee DJD are both rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied a higher disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion.

Your appeals concerning lower back condition, sleep apnea syndromes, bacterial pneumonia, DJD of the left shoulder, and DJD of the right shoulder have been dismissed as you withdrew your appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to new evidence of worsening symptoms and incomplete medical records. The Veteran is required to undergo additional examinations and a review of his exposure history.

The Veteran's back disability and right wrist disability are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need to determine if there are neurological complications associated with these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of his conditions.

The Board denied service connection for liver disease, including hepatitis C, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The Veteran's appeal is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back and left hip disabilities have been denied due to his failure without good cause to appear for scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's back disability, rated as 10% prior to May 10, 2016 and 20% from May 10, 2016 until his death, is granted for accrued benefits purposes. The rating of 20% is maintained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, as the VA medical opinions indicate he can maintain employment with some accommodations.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for low back disorder and migraine disorder due to inadequate opinions in the previous VA examination reports. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms during active service are considered, and addendum opinions are required from a VA examiner.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that it is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his low back condition and for TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues. The RO is instructed to issue a Statement of the Case addressing the low back claim.

The Veteran's back disorder, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, was not first manifested on active duty and is not shown to be the result of active service. The Board found no causal link between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent, but no higher, for PTSD prior to May 18, 2012 is granted. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.