Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his back disability was denied, and he was granted a TDIU rating effective from November 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and unspecified depressive disorder rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from August 30, 2010. The Board granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claims can be adjudicated due to incomplete medical examinations and remanded issues. The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, cervical spine, and radiculopathy disabilities are being reviewed for increased ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic back disorder and PTSD are remanded due to incomplete records and need for medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition is remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The claim was previously denied in April 2000, and new evidence has been submitted that raises the possibility of service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's low back disability was not found to be related to his active duty, while his hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and neck disabilities, as well as right shoulder, left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for right shoulder, low back, and left knee conditions due to incomplete service records. The Veteran is asked to provide authorization for private treatment records related to his disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied. A TDIU from May 5, 2016 forward is granted, but the issue of a TDIU prior to that date remains pending and remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including left and right wrist disorders, a lumbar spine disorder, foot pain and numbness, and depression. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative lumbar spondylosis and cervical spine disability are granted. The Veteran's TBI claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sinusitis was denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of sinusitis and concluded that the Veteran did not have a current disability related to his in-service duties.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip disability, calcium deposit, and lumbosacral spine disability due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) of the lumbosacral spine. The previous rating reduction from 20 percent to 10 percent was found improper and the 20 percent rating is restored.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, left knee status post total arthroplasty (left knee disability), and bilateral foot disability, all secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The claim for service connection for pelvis misalignment is denied due to lack of evidence supporting the diagnosis.

The appeals for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claims. The low back disability, OSA, acquired psychiatric disorder (excluding PTSD), right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, right knee chondromalacia patella, and left knee chondromalacia patella claims have all been reopened.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to incomplete medical opinions, unobtained VA treatment records, and need for further examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 20 percent rating from March 1, 2016 to December 12, 2019.,A separate 10 percent rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was granted from January 20, 2016.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right knee arthritis, back condition, and bilateral foot neuropathy as secondary to mild osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine have been denied. The Board found that there is no direct link between the current conditions and active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to inadequate examination findings and missing private treatment records. The claims will be reconsidered with new examinations.