Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome with lumbosacral degenerative arthritis and strain is rated at 40 percent, but no higher, throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of service connection claims, including an examination to address the Veteran's assertions regarding his in-service heavy lifting.

The claims of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder condition, back condition (including IVDS), and Hepatitis B are reopened. However, the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition is denied. The Veteran's claim for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. The decision is pending on whether she also has a left shoulder disability that is related to her service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's disc bulge of the thoracolumbar spine and right lower extremity radiculopathy are rated at 20 percent each, effective from specific dates. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and functional impairment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for knee, back, and neck disabilities due to incomplete medical records and the need for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has found that more development is necessary and has remanded the cases for further review. The Veteran's claims of service connection for back disability, right knee disability, and increased evaluation for left knee disability are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for consideration.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right leg and left thigh disabilities, as well as her request for a higher rating for her lumbar spine disability, were denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have separate and distinct right leg or left thigh disabilities, but rather residual pain from her already service-connected back condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with IVDS is granted from November 23, 2015 to August 10, 2018. The claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent is denied. Service connection for right ankle, left ankle, and left knee disabilities are all denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of PTSD, ischemic optic neuropathy, coronary artery disease, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity have been dismissed as withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an anxiety disorder has also been dismissed as withdrawn.,Beginning May 18, 2018, the Veteran is in receipt of a total schedular rating due to his service-connected disabilities. The issue of entitlement to TDIU beginning May 18, 2018, was dismissed as moot.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including intervertebral disc syndrome, should be remanded for further evaluation due to inadequate examination findings.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a low back disorder and effective dates prior to May 27, 2015 for right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome has been dismissed.,A 50 percent rating is granted for migraines since January 14, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for scoliosis of the thoracolumbar spine was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to warrant readjudication of the previously denied claims for COPD, back disability, right hip disability, and left hip disability. The RO is directed to obtain medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including lumbar spine, neck, left and right shoulder disabilities, esophageal conditions, and residuals of colitis, due to presumed herbicide exposure during active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including low back disability, neck disability, bipolar disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, and neuropathies. The Board found no in-service incurrence of these disabilities or evidence linking them to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear schwannoma, a back disability, and right knee arthritis. The Veteran's current conditions are found to be related to her military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and requires an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lower back disorder.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases, as well as a new examination is required to assess his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate medical opinions that did not consider lay evidence of continuous symptoms after service.