Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability but remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding a left knee disability.

The claim for service connection of back disability is granted. The claims for increased ratings for left knee and reactive airway disease are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to issues with the VA examination, particularly regarding the relationship between the Veteran's low back disability and his other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar trauma residuals and degenerative disc disease was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating, as there were no incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome meeting the required duration. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected.,For the period prior to January 28, 2020, a rating in excess of 10 percent for his low back disability is denied. From January 28, 2020 onwards, a rating in excess of 40 percent is also denied.

The Board has denied service connection for low back pain and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, right knee condition, left knee condition, and obstructive sleep apnea as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was rated at 10% prior to November 14, 2017. Since then, the rating has been increased to 20%. The current rating is based on limitation of motion and no incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection for a rib and back disability, as the current evidence is insufficient to resolve the claim. The Veteran's assertions of in-service injury are considered, along with his ongoing symptoms and medical records.

The Veteran's lower back disability and associated radiculopathy have been granted increased initial ratings of 20 percent, effective January 22, 2018. Additional development is needed for other issues.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and lumbar radiculopathy, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and bilateral pes planus, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied compensation for the aggravation of a back disability due to spinal injections received at VA, finding that the Veteran's disability was not aggravated by these treatments.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, bilateral lower extremity neurological, and upper left extremity neurological disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing chronic in-service conditions or continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and consideration, including obtaining new medical opinions to address whether the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted entitlement to TDIU. The cases for increased disability ratings for right elbow, left elbow, left knee, and right knee disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a back disability due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives. The case is returned to the AOJ for another VA examination and medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to a TDIU claim, as the Veteran does not meet the percentage requirements for a schedular TDIU rating. However, even when the rating percentage requirements are not met, entitlement to TDIU benefits may be considered if the veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a liver cyst, low back disability (including degenerative joint disease), left lower chest nodule, stomach disability, and allergies as the evidence did not support their onset or relationship to military service.,There is no medical opinion linking any of these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, low back condition, erectile dysfunction (ED), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to potential issues with causation or aggravation.,Specifically, the Board requested additional opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.