Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including back disability, right leg sciatica, left leg sciatica, hip disabilities, ankle and foot disabilities, respiratory issues, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy have been denied as the evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for post-surgical scars of the low back, secondary to service-connected spinal stenosis. However, the claim for a bilateral lower extremity disability is remanded due to inadequate examination findings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that there is no evidence of chronicity in service or within the applicable presumptive period. The Board also found that the current low back disorders are not related to any in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of one automobile or other conveyance and/or automobile adaptive equipment due to issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including right knee disability, lumbosacral radiculitis, and bilateral high frequency sensorineural hearing loss. The decision is pending further development.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is rated at 20 percent prior to March 31, 2017, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5243.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and right shoulder impingement syndrome. The reduction in disability rating for his lumbar spine disorder from 20% to 10% is also granted.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his pending claims and appeals, stating he is satisfied with his compensation and does not wish to pursue any of them.

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for low back pain has been granted. The Board has also remanded several other issues including the rating of PTSD, shoulder injury with bursitis, tinnitus, sinus disorder with allergies, sleep apnea, GERD, and tension headaches.

The Board has denied service connection for a cervical back disorder due to lack of evidence showing the condition began during service or is related to an in-service injury. The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and radiculopathy have been remanded for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right upper extremity disability, initial compensable rating for a right hip disability based on limitation of flexion, and initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for right knee strain. The claim for an initial rating of 20 percent for a low back disability prior to August 29, 2017, was granted; however, the claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for a low back disability from August 29, 2017, was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left hip condition, right knee condition, and left knee condition. The lumbosacral spine degenerative joint disease issue is also being remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for various conditions including loss of muscle mass, degenerative joint disease, blood disorder, respiratory disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorders all claimed as resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation. The decision was made due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and bilateral hip disorder due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus claims are denied as they do not warrant a higher rating.,Service connection for various conditions is remanded due to outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for her back disability and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity remain at 20 percent, with no increase in rating granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for lumbar disc disease and GERD. The evidence received since the final rating decisions supports a finding that these conditions are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disorder. The SMC claim is also remanded due to ongoing development.