Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was granted, with a current disability evaluation of 20 percent effective April 18, 2018.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed for the Veteran's cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine disabilities due to limitations in range of motion testing. The issues related to left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are also remanded as they may be impacted by the results from these examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current disabilities are proximately caused by his May 2014 surgical procedure at a VA fee-contracted facility.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a kidney disability, back disability, bilateral CTS, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to lack of evidence of current disabilities. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied service connection for low back condition, headaches, ED, high blood pressure, and sleep issues as the Veteran's conditions did not manifest in-service or within one year post-service. The Board also found no secondary service connection due to his low back condition.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities including right shoulder, left shoulder, low back, cervical spine, right knee, left knee, right hand, and left hand disabilities as they were not found to be related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for a deviated septum and right wrist condition due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the Veteran's lay assertions. The dental claim is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine, knee, shoulder, and GERD disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disorder, lumbar spine disorder, respiratory disorder (due to environmental exposure), and sleep apnea with insomnia. The claims are being remanded for additional examinations.,The Veteran’s left foot disorder claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability and diverticulitis due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for thoracolumbar strain with DJD and DDD is denied as the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board denied a higher initial disability rating for the service-connected back disability, finding that the Veteran's range of motion measurements did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine, patellofemoral syndrome of the left and right knees, and tinnitus have been granted service connection. The Veteran is also receiving a 20% rating for his radiculopathy.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's pursuit of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and his employment goals, including considering his service-connected disabilities and any changes in their severity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disorder, including costovertebral syndrome and spondylitis, is at least as likely as not related to her in-service motor vehicle accident. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his claimed disabilities. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical records and undergo further examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence in the record regarding the etiology of the Veteran's disabilities, particularly his multiple sclerosis and its related residuals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his left shoulder condition, L4-L5 lumbar spondylosis with sclerotic changes of the left sacroiliac joint, bilateral foot strain with mild hallux valgus, and right foot strain with mild hallux valgus. The remand requires obtaining an addendum opinion on the nature and etiology of his left shoulder glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, determining whether it is at least as likely as not related to service or aggravated by service. It also requires scheduling a VA examination for his L4-L5 lumbar spondylosis with sclerotic changes of the left sacroiliac joint and bilateral foot strain.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain and TDIU prior to January 10, 2014 are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has granted service connection for Degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether it was caused by or is otherwise attributable to service.