Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board has decided that the issue of service connection for post-operative fusion at L5-S1 and degenerative disc disease needs further development, including an updated examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's left leg radiculopathy is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board denied a higher rating for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disease (arthritis) of the lumbar spine is granted, while other claims for various disabilities are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that there was not enough evidence to establish a link between his current condition and military service.

The Board has determined that remand is necessary to ensure that VA fulfilled its duty to assist the Veteran in substantiating his appeal regarding service connection for a back disability. The Veteran's claim was previously before the Board, and additional evidence and arguments have been associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her lumbar spine disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under either the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or the IVDS criteria.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to outstanding VA treatment records and additional examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate rationale in a previous VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease. A new examination is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed back, left knee, right knee, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities are not service-connected as they are not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident during active duty service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome was denied. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to October 2, 2019 and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his low back strain with lumbar degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for low back and left knee conditions due to incomplete records of his National Guard service, requiring further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for a head disorder, neck disorder, low back disorder, heart disorder, DM, peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction. The VA is directed to obtain all relevant records and schedule the Veteran for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for various disabilities and ratings have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and his failure to complete the required VA Form 21-8940 prevented the Board from determining his employability.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation of his low back disability is denied as there are no findings of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.,The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess current symptoms and severity.,The Veteran's claim for diffuse muscle and joint pain is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine etiology.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for her service-connected low back disability was denied as her current symptomatology does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his back disability was granted effective January 7, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.