Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease with lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 20 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU.

The Board has remanded the cases of hemorrhoids, low back disability, hypertension, and right hip disability for further development as the medical records are inadequate to address the Veteran's STRs regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his lumbosacral strain, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities are denied. The claim for TDIU prior to March 15, 2016 is also denied.

The Veteran's increased evaluations for his back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and heart disability have been denied.,Service connection for tinnitus has also been denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for her low back disability is denied. The Board also granted entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the reduction in ratings for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities was improper, and the original ratings are restored. The issues of increased ratings for both conditions and TDIU remain pending.

The Veteran's request to reopen claims for service connection for a low back disability and PTSD is granted. The case is remanded for additional development regarding the service connection of these conditions.

The Board has decided that the VA examinations are inadequate and remands the case for a new examination to determine if the Veteran's current back disability is related to his service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, a rating in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy, and an effective date earlier than September 30, 2015 for the grant of service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy as requested by the Veteran's representative.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent prior to August 14, 2019 and no higher. After that date, the rating has been increased to 40 percent.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding increased ratings for lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis, left knee internal derangement, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, low back condition with sciatica, neck condition, adjustment disorder, and Raynaud’s syndrome. Service connection is denied for cellulitis, left knee condition, left hip condition, and right knee injury.,The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his right knee condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed. The claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability, rated as degenerative arthritis of the spine under DC 5242, is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including anxiety, hip and knee disabilities, and hypothyroidism, have rendered her in need of regular aid and attendance due to her functional impairments. The Board has granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,A TDIU claim is also being remanded as it has been raised by the record.

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

The Board has restored the 20 percent rating for the service-connected lumbosacral strain (back disability) effective from June 10, 2015. The initial and increased ratings for the left knee and left ankle disabilities remain denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic neuropathic pain, right groin, was denied. The Board found that the current disability picture did not warrant an increased rating.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen service connection for a back disability. Service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability is caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee replacement.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, upper respiratory disability, and Tietze’s Syndrome have all been granted. However, the claim for heart disability secondary to Tietze’s Syndrome is remanded.,Service connection has also been granted for Tietze’s Syndrome on a direct basis.