Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, low back, and bilateral pes planus disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to service.

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

The Veteran's fourth nerve palsy of the left eye is granted as incurred in service. The Board also remanded for further examination and opinion regarding valvular heart disease, back disability, and right shoulder disability.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to verify the Veteran's periods of service and obtain any outstanding records, including treatment records. The claims for service connection are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to inadequate VA examination reports. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and aggravation of pes planus are being remanded due to inadequate opinions in the VA examinations. The claims for left ear pain, back condition, groin pain, and plantar fasciitis will also be considered.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and his left upper extremity radiculopathy is also rated at 20 percent. The right upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent. His lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes remains at 20 percent, and he does not have a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma and a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's conditions arose during his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete documentation and authorization requests. The Veteran is required to provide authorization for treatment records from Dr. CEMQ.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for low back disability and skin condition on the back due to inadequate addendum opinions. The Veteran's testimony will be considered in forming a medical nexus opinion.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as her range of motion does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.,Both upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities are rated at 20 percent each, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic codes. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of more severe impairment in either arm.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a low back condition due to conflicting evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, including arthritis and degenerative disc disease. The Board found that there is no evidence of chronic neck problems in service or within one year after separation from service, and concluded that the current cervical spine condition did not originate during military service.

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total evaluation due to treatment for his service-connected back disorder is remanded as the examinations are inadequate and further examination is required.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to May 26, 2017, for service connection of right ankle degenerative arthritis and tinnitus. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU are REMANDED due to lack of VA treatment records from 1995 to 2010. The claims for back disability and right knee disability are also REMANDED.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU effective November 2, 2017.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support a direct or secondary relationship between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for low back, left ankle, right wrist and throat disabilities due to insufficient examination opinions regarding their etiology. The VA examiners are instructed to provide a clear opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.