Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's degenerative changes of the left knee, right knee, lumbar spine strain, and right shoulder sprain have all been rated at 10 percent since November 2000. The Board has denied increased ratings for each condition.,The Veteran requested a new VA examination in July 2007 to determine if his conditions warranted higher ratings. However, the RO continued the current ratings of 10 percent without scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being REMANDED for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records. The issues of increased rating for the left wrist, service connection for low back pain, service connection for a heart condition (Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome), and service connection for hypertension are all pending.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability. The claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted since the previous denial.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period prior to April 24, 2014 was denied as he did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU and his service-connected conditions alone or in combination did not preclude him from securing or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's initial ratings for lumbosacral strain and hypothyroidism were denied as her conditions did not warrant higher ratings based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy and degenerative joint disease lumbar spine with IVDS are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for lower back condition, numbness in upper extremities, neck pain, muscle fatigue and stiffness, cervical radiculopathy (carpal tunnel syndrome), left knee condition, right knee condition, and bilateral foot pain have been dismissed.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen previously denied claims of entitlement to service connection for a headache disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and insomnia.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disorder, shoulder disorders, foot disorders, knee disorders, and hearing loss. The issues are related to whether these conditions had their onset during active duty or are otherwise etiologically related to such service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and lack of adequate medical opinions. The claims will be reviewed again with new examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back condition, finding that there was no evidence showing the current disability had its onset during or within one year after service. The Board also found insufficient medical evidence linking the current low back disorder to an in-service assault.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral knee DJD, cervical spine DDD, and a right foot condition (hallux valgus) are not related to service. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disorders, including shoulder, knee, ankle, wrist, hand, and foot conditions, as well as hypertension and sleep apnea. Additional verification is needed regarding his active service after October 2009.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss disability, and lower back disability are service-connected. However, additional evidence is needed to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorder (likely including PTSD, anxiety disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and dysthymic disorder) and sciatic nerve disability are also service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's headaches and their impact on his ability to work.

All claims for service connection prior to July 27, 2010 have been dismissed due to the absence of allegations of specific errors in fact or law.,The claim for a higher initial rating for patellofemoral syndrome left knee with arthritis and limited flexion has also been dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and a lumbar spine disorder due to outstanding VA treatment records and incomplete medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left knee strain, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran is asked to provide information about his treatment locations during the appeal period.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of outstanding treatment records.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is denied, while his back disability and left wrist disability claims are referred to the RO for additional review.

The Veteran's lumbar strain is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to his limited range of motion and pain. The Veteran also meets criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran has open angle glaucoma associated with diabetes mellitus type II, which requires further examination as visual field testing results are missing from the file.