Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to conflicting dates of service and incomplete records. The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and sinus condition are being reviewed, with a focus on obtaining all relevant medical records and conducting examinations.

The case is being remanded for further development to address the Veteran's back condition, including testing active and passive motion, assessing pain during motion, and evaluating any flare-ups. The rating will be readjudicated after this.

The Board has determined that the Veteran needs to be reexamined for his lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as an additional VA etiology opinion for his obstructive sleep apnea. The claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, small Haglund deformities, and hammer toes are also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative back disorder, major depressive disorder, tinnitus, and feet problems, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement for schedular TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and assistance, thus granting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, which is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, lumbar strain, left knee strain and radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his low-back disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy was denied. The rating assigned for the back disability is 40 percent, effective from various dates.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, rating in excess of 10 percent for a back disability, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues are being remanded because the VA did not obtain updated treatment records and conduct adequate examinations.

The Veteran's lumbar spine stenosis is granted as secondary to his service-connected left hip Legg-Perthes disease.,His left lower extremity neurological impairment (sciatica) and right lower extremity neurological impairment (sciatica) are both granted as secondary to his lumbar spine disability.,His right hip necrosis is granted as secondary to his service-connected left hip Legg-Perthes disease.,The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome, hypertension, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability were all denied.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claims for service connection for a lower back disability and bilateral pes planus was granted. The claim for service connection for a lower back disability is remanded, while the claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus is reopened.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for postherpetic neuralgia involving the right ear and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs a new VA examination for his postherpetic neuralgia involving the right ear, and his claim for TDIU will be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration.

The Veteran's initial ratings for service-connected lumbar facet degeneration with sclerosis and DDD, left knee strain, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, cervical spine (neck) disability with muscle spasms, left shoulder disability with nerve damage, and left hip disability have all been denied.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, joint swelling and stiffness, bilateral knee disability, back disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, and headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The effective date of service connection for PTSD is set at November 1, 2010.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection, effective October 13, 2016.,Claims for left knee disability, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and PTSD were also granted, but the effective date is set at October 13, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and a disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his low back disability due to insufficient development and readjudication.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective November 21, 2014. His RLE radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is rated at 20 percent since that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for back, left knee, right knee, and neck disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection, earlier effective dates, and increased ratings are remanded due to incomplete adjudication of his claims.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder, bilateral fallen arches/flat feet, and cervical spine disorder have been granted service connection.,The Veteran's left knee disorder is being remanded for further review.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from the entire rating period on appeal. For the appeal period beginning June 2, 2016, ratings for radiculopathy of both lower extremities are granted.