Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating, earlier effective date, and service connection have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the Veteran's claims for acid reflux, hypertension, and degenerative arthritis with IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hallux valgus, as well as his increased rating claims for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, hemorrhoids, and bilateral knee disabilities. The Veteran needs to be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and medical opinions, to determine if his claimed bilateral knee arthritis, bilateral ankle disorder, and lumbar spine disorder are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the reduction in rating for his lumbar spine condition has been withdrawn and dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran explicitly withdrew his appeal, understanding the consequences.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to evaluations in excess of 10 percent for right and left iliotibial band syndrome, hearing loss, TMJ disability, and service connection for a left foot, right foot, left ankle, left hand, low back, and left shoulder disabilities have all been dismissed.,A compensable evaluation for headaches has been granted from October 10, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spasms is remanded due to the suggestion of worsening since his last VA examination. A new VA examination is required to assess current severity.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions and disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a hearing before the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded as there are no audiological examination results to determine if he currently has a disability.,The Veteran's claims for thoracolumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, headaches (secondary to cervical spine disability), and an acquired psychiatric disorder (secondary to cervical spine disability) are being remanded due to the need for VA examination to assess current conditions and their relationship to service.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of lower back and bilateral knee disabilities due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding service connection for various lumbar spine conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and either his period of service or any service-connected conditions. The Board also found insufficient evidence to support a secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), increased initial disability ratings for his lumbar spine, cervical spine, migraine headaches, dysphagia, and right shoulder conditions, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being added to the record and a need for an SSOC.

The Veteran's headaches are currently rated at the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 8100, which is 50 percent. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.,The Veteran’s recurrent left hip subluxation is currently rated as 30 percent due to malunion of the femur with slight knee or hip disability. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 20 percent, which reflects forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees and combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran’s radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) is currently rated at 20 percent, which reflects moderate incomplete paralysis. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his left knee meniscal tear has been granted. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for low back and neck disorders due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder is secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus. The VA needs to obtain updated treatment records and an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the remaining issues due to incomplete records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of service connection for sleep apnea, as well as clarification on whether the Veteran's current degenerative disc disease (DDD) lumbar spine and bilateral leg condition are related to her active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and bilateral hip disabilities due to inadequate compliance with prior remand directives. The appeal must be returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as of April 26, 2016. The Board granted an effective date of April 26, 2016 for the TDIU.