Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions regarding direct service connection.

The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is dismissed without prejudice.,The issues of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent disabling for the period prior to April 4, 2017, and in excess of 40 percent disabling for the period thereafter, for service-connected residuals of low back injury with compression fracture of T11 and mild degenerative changes; entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) for the period prior to June 1, 2011 are remanded.,The issues of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, migraines, sinusitis, GERD, and bilateral athlete's foot are remanded.,,,,,

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, fibromyalgia, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, and arthritis of the cervical spine require regular aid and attendance due to his cognitive limitations and physical disabilities. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance from October 17, 2012 to January 30, 2020.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities, as well as his low back strain secondary to a service-connected right foot disability, are granted. The case is remanded for an examination regarding the Veteran's hepatic structures.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that there was no nexus between his current condition and his military service. The examiner concluded that the Veteran's back condition is more likely due to injuries sustained in civilian jobs after service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities due to inadequate VA examination and missing relevant records.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his lumbar strain and herniated disc is being remanded due to the addition of new evidence since the last Statement of the Case. A VA examination will be scheduled, and the case will be readjudicated.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient development, specifically needing a supplemental medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to obtain medical records from the Veteran's service in Japan, and to provide opinions regarding the etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to her military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her lumbar spine and right knee disabilities, as well as service connection for psoriasis secondary to her major depressive disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were denied. The appeals for higher ratings for the thoracolumbar spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy are also denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to address the Veteran's claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for his service connection of lumbar spine disability, finding that the claim was not filed until November 23, 2004.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and left shoulder disabilities, finding that there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's back disability is granted a rating of 40 percent, but no higher, prior to October 30, 2016. A rating in excess of 40 percent since October 30, 2016, is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for heart disease and hypertension, but has remanded the issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is currently employed and has been for several years.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine has been granted. The claims for fibromuscular dysplasia, TBI, and unspecified anxiety disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for IVDS with lumbosacral strain was denied. The Board found that the current schedular ratings adequately reflected his disability.