Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraine headaches was denied as the evidence did not show that his condition warranted a rating in excess of 30 percent. The claim for TDIU was also denied because he is currently employed and able to work.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's low back disability and the need for additional records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar facet arthropathy, finding that it is proximately due to his service-connected left leg disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a back condition due to new and material evidence, but the issue is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine, COPD, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome have been granted. The claim for knee disability is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting a VA examination as per the October 2018 Board remand.

The Veteran's back disability and LLE radiculopathy are rated at 20 percent each, while RLE radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent. The effective date for service connection of RLE radiculopathy is denied as it was received within a year of the Veteran's separation from active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back condition and remanded the issue of service connection for a right leg condition as secondary to his low back condition.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues, including service connection for various conditions and rating determinations for his hearing loss, back disorder, knee disorders, and psychiatric condition. The claims are currently in remanded status due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence from a previous examination and the need for a new one with updated records and an orthopedic evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his low back disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeal. The Board has also determined that additional examinations are needed for several issues, including left shoulder strain, right elbow bursitis, cervical strain, thoracolumbar strain and scoliosis, right extensor carpi ulnaris subluxation, left extensor carpi ulnaris subluxation, lipoma on the abdomen, left knee disability, right shoulder disability, left elbow disability, right hand disability, hearing loss, psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, and jaw disability.

The appeal for service connection of bilateral plantar fascitis is dismissed. The claim for service connection of low back disability, including degenerative disc arthritis and neurological manifestations, has been reopened.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been granted, and the Board has ordered a remand for further examination regarding his back disability. The decision on service connection for PTSD is based on direct evidence linking it to an in-service incident.

The Veteran's hypertension was not found to warrant a compensable rating as the evidence did not show diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or greater.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied due to lack of in-service onset and no evidence that it manifested within one year post-separation from service.,Peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was found secondary to diabetes mellitus, which is not service-connected. The Veteran's back condition, bilateral knee condition, bilateral hip condition, and bilateral foot condition were also denied as they are not service-connected.,Service connection for a right wrist condition was denied.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that his current hearing acuity does not warrant such an increase. The case is remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's claim for TDIU.

The Board granted a 40% disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar disability from April 18, 2013 to July 22, 2015. The rating was denied in excess of 40% for the period from April 18, 2013 to February 14, 2017 and granted a 50% disability rating starting from February 15, 2017.

The Veteran's spine disability and left knee disability are granted service connection. The right knee, hip, and foot disorders remain pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies and an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a finding of secondary service connection, and also concluded that the current ratings were appropriate.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee condition is granted as secondary to his right ankle condition. Service connection for low back and tinnitus conditions are denied.