Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for his service-connected disabilities was denied. The Board has granted an increased rating of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease L4-5 from June 14, 2006 through December 1, 2019.,Higher initial ratings were not granted for the Veteran's left and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerves or femoral nerves.

Service connection for a low back disability, to include spinal stenosis is granted. An increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis are denied. The Veteran's GERD is rated at 60 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives, specifically regarding scheduling a VA examination for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability. The Veteran is not entitled to a TDIU at this time as he did not receive proper notice about the scheduled examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back and neck disabilities. The case will be adjudicated based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and bipolar disorder was granted. The claim for PTSD was denied as new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.,The Board found that there is current diagnoses of an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (bipolar disorder) and remanded the claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and back disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for low back pain, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and any in-service injury or exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective January 11, 2011. The Board finds that further development is needed for the issues of service connection for a right-hand trigger finger injury and degenerative disc disease of the neck.

The Board has determined that remand is necessary to obtain additional opinions regarding the service connection of cervical and thoracic/lumbar spine disorders, as well as peripheral neuropathy. The issues are currently inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted. The claim for tinnitus is denied. The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating of 10 percent for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) prior to July 2, 2019, and a higher rating thereafter is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various disabilities, including right and left knee disabilities, lower back disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, and left leg disability. The Veteran's claim is being returned to the AOJ for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, neck disability, and loss of function of the left leg (left foot drop), finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability should be remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and missing treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected low back strain is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck, bilateral knee, and back conditions due to insufficient medical opinions. The issues of service connection are now pending.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to insufficient medical opinions addressing continuity of symptoms from service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve were denied, with a remand ordered.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for post-traumatic scar was also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his back disability has been dismissed because he withdrew the appeal in November 2020.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic headaches, low back disability, and left knee disability. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible lay statements and positive nexus opinions provided by his private physician.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and has remanded the service connection claim for a back disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of her low back disability, finding that there was no evidence linking it to service or a service-connected condition.