Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's cervical spine strain and right knee arthritis have been granted a 20 percent disability rating from August 29, 2014 to November 13, 2019. The psychiatric disorder has been granted a 30 percent disability rating for the period from August 29, 2014 to December 15, 2014. The Veteran's testicular cancer residuals have not met the criteria for a higher rating. The scars of the abdomen and inner left thigh have been granted a 20 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for ingrown toenail of the bilateral great toe and denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for a right foot disability and left ankle disability due to incomplete development. The claim for low back disability remains denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that caused current degenerative arthritis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of initial compensable evaluation for nephrolithiasis, right knee strain, and service connection for lower back disability, left knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, and lower gastrointestinal problems. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to obtain any outstanding records and to schedule VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating greater than 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine with spondylosis was denied. The claim for TDIU prior to November 10, 2020, was also denied as the Veteran now has a combined schedular evaluation of 100% due to Meniere's Disease.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and left knee disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment since June 26, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity have all been denied.,The Board found no current disability in any of these conditions.

The Board denied the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for left lower extremity and low back conditions, finding no new and material evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, back disability, and migraine headaches. The conditions are found to be at least as likely as not incurred in or caused by the Veteran's active-duty service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for his left leg disorder, right leg disorder, left hand disorder, right hand disorder, migraines, and frequent urination. The Board also ordered a new VA examination for the Veteran's back disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals seeking service connection for a low back disability and a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for clarification regarding whether the Veteran's scoliosis is congenital or developmental, and if developmental, whether it pre-existed service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine DDD and prostatitis have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran had a current diagnosis of these conditions, which were related to his in-service diagnoses.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is rated at 40 percent, effective December 23, 2019. The right lower extremity radiculopathy remains rated at 20 percent from April 30, 2015. SMC at the housebound rate was granted starting June 28, 2021.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and denied an increased rating for small bowel obstruction. The TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD and low back disability, as well as the reopening of previously denied claims for type II diabetes mellitus (DM2), Lyme disease, and hypertension, are being remanded due to incomplete records from the Social Security Administration.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new one must be conducted to determine if the Veteran's low back disorder is related to his service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability and a respiratory disability due to insufficient evidence in the record. The Veteran served on active duty from January 1966 to May 1969.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for back and left shoulder conditions due to insufficient development. The Veteran's contentions regarding in-service injuries and continuity of symptoms are not addressed by the VA examiners.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of evidence regarding the Veteran's functional limitations and ability to work. The case will be returned for further review.