Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected neck disability, low back disability, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc disease (IVDS), sciatica (right and left legs), and a scar on her right lumbar region, preclude her from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU for the periods specified.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected back disability was remanded. The rating for the condition has been increased to 40 percent effective January 12, 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claims for anemia, migraines/headaches, and PCOS are remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss. The remaining issues of entitlement to service connection for a back disability, a right lower extremity disability, and a skin condition are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's OSA began during active service and the issue of entitlement to service connection for a back disability is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome was denied, and the Board found that there is no medical or lay evidence documenting symptoms approximating unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The issue of a separate evaluation for bowel incontinence secondary to service-connected lumbosacral strain disability was remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for low back pain, bilateral wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, and hypertension. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to have their onset in service.

The Board has found that the AOJ did not substantially comply with its remand directives and thus requires a new VA examination for the Veteran's low back disorder claim. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further adjudication.

The Veteran's back disability and radiculopathy were granted initial ratings, with the right lower extremity radiculopathy receiving a higher rating than the left.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, sciatic nerve disability, pleurisy, tuberculosis, and back disability. The Board dismissed the appeals due to the Veteran's withdrawal.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and sleep apnea as secondary to depressive disorder are granted service connection. Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, arthritis of the knees, ankles, hips, and fingers, Hepatitis C, or a heart disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding the nature, etiology, and severity of his claimed conditions. The issues include right hip arthritis, glaucoma, gout, hearing loss, knee disability, and sleep disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is found to be related to his service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board denied service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, finding that the current conditions are not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to neuropathy and right knee disorder, as well as low back disorders, are remanded due to inadequate or insufficient medical opinions provided by VA examiners.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that it began during active duty and is related to in-service lifting duties.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims of a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine degenerative changes and service connection for anxiety disorder.

The Veteran disagrees with the reduction in his VA compensation payment due to a military retired pay adjustment, which occurred in June 2021. The RO did not provide proper notice of this decision.