Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection, increased evaluations, and TDIU due to inadequate examinations in previous remands. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a bilateral hip disability, increased evaluations for his lumbar spine, right knee, and right shoulder disabilities, and TDIU.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is currently rated as zero percent disabling. The reduction of the rating for low back strain from 20% to 10% was improper and must be restored.,Service connection for cardiac disability due to in-service radiation exposure is remanded, as no VA examiner has provided an opinion on its etiology.,Service connection for male reproductive disability due to in-service radiation exposure is also remanded, with the same reasoning.

The Veteran's lumbar spine, left hip, and right hip disabilities are granted service connection as they are related to his in-service fall from a cliff.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee condition and back condition, both of which are found to be not related to his service-connected right knee condition.,There is no credible evidence linking the Veteran’s current left knee or back conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a low back disability due to inadequate VA examination and need for new medical opinions. The case is returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected lumbar condition and right leg radiculopathy are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. A new examination is required to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted for chronic fatigue syndrome, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, vertigo and dizziness, tinnitus, acoustic neuroma tumor in the left internal auditory canal, and neck disability. The right foot disability claim was dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The remaining issues are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her thoracolumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities due to inadequate examinations. A new examination is required to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's headaches are not secondary to service-connected hypertension and are not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's lumbar spine multilevel degenerative disc and joint disease with bilateral sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis does not meet the criteria for a 40 percent rating.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar and cervical spine conditions, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service. The claims were based on direct service connection rather than presumptive exposure or other theories.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for a low back condition, respiratory conditions (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), depression, anxiety, sleep apnea, migraines, left knee condition, right shoulder bursitis, and memory loss. The claims are remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination due to the Veteran's service aboard USS Forrestal on July 29, 1967. The VA will obtain medical records and conduct examinations to determine if his current disabilities are related to his active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and lumbar spine disorders have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The AOJ should obtain all outstanding records, including from Drs. J. and H., and provide the Veteran with a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding pre-service and service onset of current back disabilities. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the VA examination and the need for a new examination that includes testing required by Correia and Sharp.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 50% rating, but his DDD of the lumbosacral spine and residuals of TBI remain under review for increased ratings. The TDIU claim is also pending.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for PTSD, low back disability, and obstructive sleep apnea need to be reconsidered due to new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine has been denied as there is no evidence showing limitation of motion to 30 degrees or less, nor ankylosis of the spine. The current 20% rating adequately compensates him.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracolumbar, cervical, and right arm disabilities due to inadequate examinations that did not address causation or aggravation.