Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

Service connection is granted for a low back disability.,Service connection is granted for a neurologic condition affecting the legs, as due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,Service connection is granted for sarcoidosis, as due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee limitation of flexion and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy had its onset as early as August 22, 2012 and granted an effective date of August 22, 2012. The other issues on appeal are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is granted. The claims for increased ratings for right ankle and right knee disabilities are remanded.

The Board has restored the Veteran's disability rating for lumbosacral strain from 10% to 20%, effective February 1, 2013. The reduction was improper due to lack of improvement in the condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining SSA records and VA examinations for his lumbar spine, left lower extremity neuropathy, left shoulder, residuals of a mild concussion, bilateral hearing loss, plantar warts, left knee and femur, right foot disorder, bilateral plantar fasciitis, respiratory disorder, cardiovascular disease, acquired psychiatric disorder, and residuals of an allergy to bee sting.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to a rating for thoracic back strain and TDIU. The Veteran's claim of increased rating for thoracic back strain remains pending, but his request to withdraw his appeal for TDIU is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle degenerative arthritis, back condition, and left elbow condition. The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions began during active or inactive duty service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's low back disability did not manifest during his active duty service, and there is no evidence linking it to a period of Reserve duty or inactive duty training. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a low back disability was denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for osteoarthritis of the hips and back condition due to inadequate medical opinions and potential issues with VA care.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, but the other issues related to left knee instability and range of motion are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative spondylosis and disc disease is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to determine if a higher rating is warranted based on current symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the claims for a right ankle, lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to insufficient examination reports. The Veteran's service records show complaints of pain during service but no current diagnosis or disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's low back strain with degenerative changes.

The claims for irritable bowel syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and lumbar spine disability are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since April 2015, and the effective date for his TDIU is set at June 7, 2018.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, specifically related to flare-ups and range of motion.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claims for service connection for a low back disability and right leg numbness as secondary to a low back disability. The cases are remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and an opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's disabilities.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional development, including obtaining service medical records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities are being reviewed again due to the lack of relevant evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, which is presumed to be related to an in-service injury during parachute training.