Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is rated at 10 percent prior to January 28, 2020 and 20 percent from January 28, 2020. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted for any period of time.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back and right and left knee disabilities are denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of these conditions during the period on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for left elbow lateral epicondylitis, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis, and right foot hallux valgus.,An initial rating higher than 10 percent for right elbow osteoarthritis prior to August 2, 2018 has been denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of lumbar scars, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, and lumbar degenerative disc disease have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and sleep apnea have also been dismissed.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including evaluations for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, degenerative disc disease, calcaneal spur of the right heel, and left hip. The Veteran will need additional examinations and opinions regarding these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to unresolved medical questions regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically whether his service-connected conditions contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Service connection is remanded for lower back condition, bilateral knee condition, and skin condition (porphyria cutanea tarda).

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted service connection, but his higher ratings for various disabilities and effective date claims are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection are not granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis, left leg and right leg varicose veins, lumbar degenerative disc disease, impairment of the left hip/thigh, degenerative arthritis of the left ankle, left hip arthritis/limitation of flexion, left foot hallux valgus, right foot hallux valgus, right foot hammertoes, left foot hammertoes, and right hip strain, preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was denied for ratings higher than the current 10 percent prior to January 6, 2020 and in excess of 40 percent since that date.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities have been denied. The current evaluations are found to be appropriate based on the evidence showing no limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to conflicting opinions and need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment since November 27, 2013. The Board granted TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, a back disability, a lung spot, groin area itch, and an acquired psychiatric condition are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence.,New and material evidence has been submitted in support of these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and unclear periods of active duty. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions, including back condition, neck condition, neuropathy of the left upper extremity (LUE), and sarcoidosis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, left ankle fracture residuals, heart murmur, hypertension, osteoarthritis neck and shoulder, proteinuria (claimed as a kidney disease), right foot condition, actinic keratosis, and disability claimed as actinic keratosis. The claims are remanded due to unclear duty status during service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received, allowing the claims for service connection for low back disability, respiratory condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder to be reopened.,Service connection for glaucoma is withdrawn.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative arthritic changes due to insufficient findings during a flare-up.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, including spondylitic changes of the lumbar spine. The issues of service connection for PTSD and depression are being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the veracity of the claimed stressors.