Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to November 5, 2019 for his lumbar spine condition was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent since November 5, 2019 for his lumbar spine condition was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has determined that the etiological opinions provided by VA examiners are not based on an accurate factual premise and lack probative weight. Therefore, these claims are remanded for additional development.,VA examiners have failed to consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms and their continuity since service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve was granted a 10 percent disability rating effective March 23, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in the previous VA examination opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left lower extremity condition and arthritis. The examiner is required to provide a fully explained rationale for their opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to conflicting opinions from previous examiners. The Veteran's back and neck conditions are being reviewed again with a focus on whether they are related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that it had its onset in service and is related to the Veteran's history of parachute jumps during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease and herniated disc at L4-5 and L5-S1, with intervertebral disc syndrome, and with impaired ejaculation and urinary hesitancy was denied. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy with restless leg syndrome was also denied.

The Veteran's asthma and calcified pulmonary plaques are granted service connection. The issues of service connection for sinusitis, rhinitis, and low back disability are remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and a low back disability. The cases are being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for DDD of the lumbosacral spine and chronic left knee musculoskeletal pain were denied as his conditions did not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and awarded a rating of 70 percent for dysthymic disorder with major depression, chronic sleep impairment, and alcohol use disorder. The TDIU claim is denied due to the appellant's current employment status.

The Veteran's appeal for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to January 3, 2011 is dismissed as moot due to the award of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).

The Board has determined that the VA remand instructions were not substantially complied with, and thus the case is being returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back, bilateral knee, and bilateral foot/ankle disorders due to inadequate VA opinions and unaccounted for active duty periods.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service. The claim was reopened due to new and material evidence submitted by the Veteran.

Service connection has been granted for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include unspecified depressive disorder.,Service connection has also been granted for a bilateral pelvic disability and lumbosacral strain disability. However, service connection is being remanded for headaches/migraines.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted a rating of 20 percent, effective December 2, 2016. Service connection for hip and ankle disabilities are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's lumbar IVDS and associated radiculopathy were rated based on their combined disability rating of 80 percent, with separate ratings for each affected nerve.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for addendum medical opinions regarding his claimed lower back condition, right knee condition, left knee condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's back condition is secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee condition.