Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded two issues: the rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and service connection for a left hip disorder. The Veteran's left hip disorder is being examined to determine if it is aggravated by her service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal includes a request for an increased rating for right patellofemoral syndrome and a request for an earlier effective date for service connection. The Board has determined that the issues are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for ulcerative colitis, bilateral upper extremity numbness, and lower back disability due to outstanding records and further examination.

The Board denied service connection for low back disorder and diabetes mellitus type II, finding no evidence of onset or continuity of symptoms during service. The Veteran's current conditions were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was withdrawn by the Veteran in March 2017.,The Veteran’s thoracolumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which does not reflect a full grant of the benefit sought. The claim remains on appeal.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy and right lower extremity radiculopathy are both rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran’s thoracolumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which does not reflect a full grant of the benefit sought. The claim remains on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities and grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective February 1, 2013. The case is remanded for additional evidence regarding marginal employment between December 21, 2011 and June 4, 2012.

The Veteran's asthma and chronic migraine headaches have been granted service connection. The right ankle sprain, left ankle sprain, lumbar-sacral strain, and right knee patella-femoral syndrome issues are remanded for further examination and rating determinations. The major depressive disorder issue has been fully resolved with a grant of higher ratings.

The Board denied service connection for low back disorder, left knee disorder, and fracture of the right big toe as there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate development and examination, including for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, right hip arthritis with limitation to extension, right hip arthritis with limitation to abduction, right hip arthritis with limitation to flexion, right knee arthritis, left knee arthritis, and thoracic & lumbar spine spondylosis as part of her increased rating claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back, left hip, and right hip disorders as secondary to a service-connected bilateral foot condition due to insufficient opinions addressing the relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's service-connected foot disorder.

The Board has found that the case must be remanded due to new evidence received since the last decision, and for preparation of an SSOC if the full benefits sought on appeal are not granted.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction claim is remanded due to insufficient medical records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of back and right knee disorders, so the claims are dismissed.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and consideration. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for dry eye syndrome and bilateral pterygium prior to March 17, 2016 is granted. Service connection for vertigo, dizziness, and lack of balance is denied. Service connection for a low back disorder is denied. Service connection for a bilateral ankle disorder and right knee disorder are also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and vision disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's claims were not supported by medical evidence or continuity of symptoms since discharge from service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete information and outstanding records. The Veteran's service connection claims for back disability and heart disability are being reviewed again.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder was denied.,A 30% rating for migraine headaches from September 30, 2014 to June 1, 2017 was granted. The Veteran is still seeking a higher rating for his migraines.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent from February 1, 2010 to December 16, 2011 and from March 1, 2012 to May 24, 2018. The claim for an increased rating is denied.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent since May 24, 2018 with separate ratings of 40 percent for bilateral radiculopathy.