Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board denied service connection for a right elbow disorder and a low back disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or continuity of symptoms.,There was no credible evidence showing that the Veteran's right elbow or low back disorders began during active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 with lumbar stenosis was granted, and the matter of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to August 24, 2016, is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a low back disability due to new evidence and development needs.

The Veteran's lumbar strain and right shoulder strain were rated, with the lumbar strain receiving a 10% rating prior to November 8, 2020, and a 20% rating thereafter. The right shoulder strain received a 20% rating before November 8, 2020, and a 30% rating from that date forward.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for low back pain, sciatica, and chronic cystitis due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claim for a sleeping disorder (insomnia) is also remanded as it may be related to the Veteran's back disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on several service-connected conditions have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, but the appeal is denied as there is no single disability rated at 100% that independently precludes employment.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The issue of service connection for a cardiovascular disorder was dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal during his virtual hearing.

The case is being remanded due to the addition of relevant evidence and outstanding VA records that need to be reviewed. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates are also being remanded.

The Veteran is granted a higher rating for SMC under section 1114(o) and awarded two separate ratings of SMC based on loss of use of both feet due to service-connected peripheral neuropathy and need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and new evidence is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and additional development is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's functional loss during flare-ups and repetitive use of her cervical spine disability. The case is returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for IVDS of the lumbar spine was granted, and he received a 40% rating effective from October 9, 2018. The claims for left hip flexion limitation, sciatic and femoral nerve peripheral neuropathies, obturator, external cutaneous, and ilio-inguinal nerve peripheral neuropathies were also granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected TBI. He also receives a TDIU rating and SMC at the housebound rate effective March 18, 2016.

The Board denied service connection for a lower back disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not preexist his military service and was not aggravated by it. The evidence showed no chronicity of the condition prior to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine has been denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability, including lumbar strain, finding that it is related to his in-service injuries and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine with lumbar disc disease and radiculopathy to the left leg due to his withdrawal during a hearing. The issue of service connection for a urethral stricture (claimed as a urology condition) is remanded.