Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded several claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to the need for additional evidence, including private treatment records and VA examination reports.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to his failure to appear for VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lupus, low back disorder, and heart disorder due to potential issues with medical opinions and missing records. The Veteran's STRs are silent for diagnoses or treatment of these conditions.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to limited range of motion and no indication of more severe symptoms.,RLE radiculopathy is currently rated at 10 percent, while LLE radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent. The Board determined these ratings are appropriate given the mild severity of the Veteran's symptoms.

The Board has restored a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar back disability, effective March 1, 2018, as the reduction in rating was not based on a full and complete examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's right hip disability, which is secondary to her service-connected lumbar spine disability, requires further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disorder secondary to PTSD and major depressive disorder. The issues of increased ratings for left knee instability, right knee instability, left knee limitation of motion, and right knee limitation of motion are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sinus condition, headache condition, bilateral knee condition, gastrointestinal condition, and low back condition due to deficiencies in the VA examinations.

The Board has remanded three issues related to service connection: chronic sinusitis, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and headaches. The reasons for this are that the Veteran's complete service records, including his periods of active duty for training and inactive duty training in the Army Reserve, need to be verified and obtained.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including left hand, right shoulder, neck, lower back, and left knee disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and allergic rhinosinusitis were not found to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,High cholesterol was deemed not a ratable disability for VA compensation purposes.,Service connection for a back disability, bilateral leg disability, BPH, hearing loss, tinnitus, rash on legs and buttocks, and hypertension could not be established due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or within one year post-service.,However, the Veteran's insomnia was found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar L4-L5 herniated nucleus pulposus, status post hemilaminectomy and discectomy is related to service. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether this condition began during active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right elbow disability, and right wrist disability. The claims for right elbow and right wrist disabilities are remanded due to unresolved issues.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disorder is related to his in-service injury from parachute jumps. The cervical, lumbar spine, knee, shoulder, and elbow disorders are remanded for additional medical opinions considering the Veteran's assertions about injuries sustained during parachute jumps.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's low back disorder is being evaluated for its relationship to service, as well as whether it is secondary to her service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric history, a skin disorder, a prostate disorder, and a lumbar spine disorder are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded three issues: PTSD with major depression, dementia, and alcohol abuse; post laminectomy syndrome, status post lumbar laminectomy and diskectomy; and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. The Veteran needs to provide updated treatment records and undergo VA examinations for his psychiatric disorder and spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete service records and the need for further medical examinations. The issues include bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder, a back disorder, a bilateral foot disorder, a right inguinal hernia, diverticulitis, and hemorrhoids.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the current condition and service. The Veteran's in-service injury was minor and did not result in any abnormalities on his separation examination.