Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current condition and his military service. The Board noted that while the Veteran reported recurrent back pain during service, medical records did not show any chronic conditions or diagnoses related to this issue until after separation from service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right shoulder, back, and hip conditions as they are related to his in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's low back disorder is related to an in-service event or injury.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent for painful motion, and the issues of higher ratings are denied.,The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, and the issue of a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic lumbar spine disorder has been reopened and remanded. The claims for left knee disability, flat feet, depressive disorder, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), right hip disability, and history of left ankle fracture are also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, left leg radiculopathy, and right leg radiculopathy was reopened. Service connection is granted for the back condition, left leg radiculopathy, and right leg radiculopathy.

The Board has determined that the VA examination and opinion provided were inadequate for adjudication purposes, and thus the case is being remanded to obtain a new addendum opinion or examination by an orthopedic specialist.

The Veteran's lumbosacral disability is rated at 10 percent, and she has been granted a TDIU effective September 1, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and his right lower extremity radiculopathy was granted a rating of 10 percent from April 3, 2014 to December 18, 2017. From December 19, 2017 to March 4, 2019, the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was denied any higher rating than 10 percent. Beginning March 5, 2019, a rating of 40 percent for his right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted. The left lower extremity radiculopathy received ratings from April 3, 2014 to February 8, 2015 (10 percent), and beginning May 8, 2015, a rating of 40 percent.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability and denied entitlement to TDIU, finding that there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disability and a bilateral knee disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his active service. The claim for tremors is remanded as there is conflicting evidence regarding its etiology.,Service connection was also denied for tremors, with the case being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions on whether the condition is secondary to PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran did not have a preexisting condition and that his current condition is not related to service. The claim was decided on a direct basis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin lesions and a back disability due to inadequate VA opinions. The Veteran will need to provide more information about his skin conditions, including photographs of any rashes, and undergo further examination to determine their origin.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU for the period from August 4, 2015. The claim for TDIU prior to that date is remanded for referral to the Director of VA's Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's lower back disability. The appeal remains pending and will be reconsidered after any additional evidence is obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, rendered him unable to care for his daily needs, requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral spinal facet arthropathy and degenerative changes due to incomplete compliance with previous remand instructions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA medical opinions and missing translations of documents. The issues include service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral upper extremity cervical radiculopathy.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the current condition is not related to service or any incident of service.