Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and evaluation of his service-connected thoracic degenerative disc disease, as well as for obtaining additional medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) as his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and PTSD, but denies these claims due to lack of a valid diagnosis of PTSD related to active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, a low back disability, and a left ankle disability. The Veteran's conditions are found to be related to his active duty.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a low back disability, but has remanded the case for further development and an opinion regarding the etiology of his current disabilities.

The Veteran's urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence are not associated with his service-connected lumbar spine condition.,From May 7, 2010, the Veteran's lumbar spine condition is rated at 40%.

The Veteran's appeal for attorney fees related to the October 2014 rating decision is denied as his former attorney was not eligible due to the lack of a valid NOD on TDIU and DEA claims.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for low back and diabetes disabilities. The cases are now remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, as his manifestations of any additional claimed acquired psychiatric disability are not clearly distinguishable from his service-connected PTSD. The appeal is remanded for further development on several orthopedic issues.

The Veteran's low back and cervical spine disabilities with radiculopathy are granted as they are related to service.,Tinnitus is also granted, attributed to noise exposure during active service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, radiculopathy in his bilateral lower extremities, right shoulder disability, and lumbar spine disability prevented him from securing and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for a lumbar strain is being remanded to the AOJ for consideration of additional evidence, including VA treatment records.

The Veteran's thoracic and cervical spine DDD are granted as service connected. The Veteran's headaches, which are secondary to the spinal conditions, are also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected lumbar spine herniated disc and a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected radiculopathy of the right lower extremity due to inadequate development.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine arthritis and right knee osteoarthritis, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity since service or any severe injuries during service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service-connected right femoral neck fracture and surgery does not aggravate his claimed DJD of the lumbar spine. The case is being remanded for further examination to address this issue.

The Board has decided that service connection for a liver cyst is denied, and the low back disability claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the nature and etiology of his service-connected conditions, including back disorder, knee disorders, CAD, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for service-connected dermatitis, service connection for a low back disability, and service connection for bilateral knee disabilities due to the need for additional medical examinations.