Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar sacral degenerative disease was denied.,The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a sinus condition, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran’s back condition was last evaluated in August 2014, and further examination is needed to determine its current severity. Additionally, the issue of TDIU must be remanded for proper development.

The Board denied increased ratings for neck pain, low back pain, left knee pain, bilateral hallux valgus associated with gout, and exercise-induced asthma prior to July 15, 2014. The Veteran's gout was rated at a single 60% effective from July 15, 2014.

The Veteran's disability rating for advanced degenerative joint disease/degenerative disc disease with spondylosis is granted at a 40% level from June 25, 2008 to February 14, 2013. The appeal period remains unchanged.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and lumbar spine disability due to insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran is entitled to a VA examination in both cases.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right wrist disability was rated at the minimum compensable level, while the low back disorder and nerve disorder of bilateral lower extremities did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for cervical spine, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and lumbar sprain are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The claims to reopen for service connection of a back condition, neck condition, pinched nerve, and tinnitus have all been denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to the Veteran's back disability, including a request for TDIU. The decision is not final and will be reconsidered after addressing the rating issue.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, vertigo (claimed as dizziness), and a low back disability due to incomplete medical opinions and factual inaccuracies in previous decisions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations. The issues of heart condition, neurological disorders of the legs, and chronic fatigue syndrome have been denied on the basis of no current disability.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for a new VA examination due to inadequate previous opinions and the need to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Board has granted the restoration of service connection for left knee strain and right knee strain, but remanded the cases regarding a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues related to service connection and increased rating for disabilities, including low back lumbar sprain, left shoulder disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board dismissed these appeals as a result.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and a knee disability (claimed as knee popping) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, bilateral ankle, and bilateral knee disorders due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was also denied as there is no current diagnosis. The Veteran's claimed psychiatric symptoms were not found during the VA examination.

The Veteran's claim to reopen the service connection for a low back disability is granted. The case is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left ankle disorders, a right shoulder disorder, and a low back disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.