Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, but finds that additional examinations and/or development are necessary before these claims can be decided.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are granted. The right ankle sprain claim is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition and right hip condition due to insufficient evidence regarding their relationship to active service, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA.

The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include a mid-thigh amputation of the right leg, depression, various scars, tendon injuries, and neurological conditions. The decision is effective as of the date of the rating decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's back disability prior to December 14, 2010. The Veteran is seeking higher ratings for his low back disability and a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to September 11, 2015, and in excess of 20 percent afterwards for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee arthritis is dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, left leg condition, and left knee disability. The claims are being remanded to obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claim for a thoracolumbar spine disorder and remanded it for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether service-connected disability substantially contributed to the Veteran's death from an automobile accident. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The petition to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection of low back disability was granted. Service connection itself remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the cases of the Veteran's back and heart disabilities for further development. The issues of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus will be addressed in a separate decision.

The Veteran's initial ratings for vasomotor rhinitis, left wrist condition, and right ankle disability are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.,The Veteran's initial rating for a right knee disability is being remanded as his representative submitted an independent medical opinion suggesting that it may be secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. Updated VA examination is needed.,The Veteran's claims of varicose veins, back condition, gastrointestinal disability (manifesting in blood in stool), prostate condition, and hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and medical opinions regarding their etiology.,The Veteran's recurrent sinus condition and right eye condition are being remanded as his representative submitted an independent medical opinion suggesting that they may be secondary to his service-connected vasomotor rhinitis. Updated VA examination is needed.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including mastoiditis, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, DJD of the AC joint, DDD of the cervical and lumbar spine, and a left leg condition. The appeals are pending for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for neck, bilateral wrist, bilateral hip, bilateral knee, bilateral ankle, bilateral foot, bilateral shoulder, and bilateral elbow disabilities due to insufficient evidence.,No new or material evidence was provided to reopen any of these service connection claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine disability and left T12-L1 thoracolumbar radiculopathy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings than assigned.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, low back disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder have been granted.,Service connection has been established for the Veteran's left knee disability, right knee disability, and low back disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining a VA examination and adjudicating the TDIU claim after resolving the increased rating issue.

For the period from July 21, 2014 to May 3, 2015, a disability rating of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is granted.,Since September 30, 2009, the Veteran's back disability has not met or approximated criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disability, and the case is remanded for further development regarding right ear hearing loss, left knee disability, and right knee disability.