Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar disorder was reopened due to new and material evidence. The Board found that the current diagnosis of lumbar strain is related to his military service, despite conflicting medical opinions.

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

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for a lumbar spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show limitation of motion or other criteria warranting a higher rating prior to February 17, 2015. As of that date, his disability is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic lumbar strain, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted.,Service connection is also denied for left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability is remanded due to the lack of recent VA treatment records. The RO must obtain these records and add them to the claims file.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for right hip arthritis, lumbar spine condition, and left hip condition have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for the right hip condition. The claims for lumbar spine and left hip conditions are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with anxiety is rated at 50% from June 25, 2018 to April 16, 2019. The Board also granted a TDIU effective from August 1, 2008.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a lumbar spine disability and left knee patellar dislocation secondary to right ankle condition due to inadequate medical opinion evidence. The case will be reviewed again with additional development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and sciatica of the lower extremities have been granted increased ratings, with a 40 percent rating for each condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck, low back, left hip, right knee, right ankle, right foot, and right hand conditions, as well as his erectile dysfunction (orchiodynia), head injury, headaches, anxiety, and depression. The claims are being returned to VA for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraines and lumbosacral strain are being remanded due to improper adjudication under the AMA system. The RO must correct this, readjudicate the claims, and provide a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC).

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for back, neck, and left elbow disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a traumatic brain injury was granted. The claims for initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss, right hip strain, and lumbar spine osteoarthritis and degenerative spondylosis are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a left hip strain and remanded the upper back condition claim.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, acquired psychiatric condition (including nervous condition and PTSD), hearing loss of the right ear, and lumbar spine disability. The evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for consideration by the Director of Compensation Service due to his service-connected disabilities impacting his ability to work prior to October 22, 2012.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for erectile dysfunction on a secondary basis due to multiple service-connected disabilities, including Crohn's disease and hypertension.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various injuries and disorders, including a low back disorder and cold injury residuals. The main reason is the need for additional records from a military hospital in Germany.

The Veteran's spine condition is granted as service connection, with the claim reopened due to new and material evidence.,Service connection for PTSD is granted, with the claim reopened due to new and material evidence. The Veteran’s representative provided additional information regarding his stressors.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for DDD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.