Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's spine disability does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent due to lack of limitation of forward flexion, favorable ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for a stomach disability is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,The Veteran's claim for left arm cellulitis is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition during or proximate to the appeal period.

The Veteran's low back disability, which includes chronic orthopedic symptoms of lumbar spine strain with degenerative joint disease and disc disease, has been rated at 20 percent since July 1, 2020. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence did not show that his symptoms warranted a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder and right lower extremity radiculopathy, but denied service connection for a left upper extremity disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's lumbar disability, including limitations of motion and flare-ups. The Veteran will need to undergo further examination and provide additional evidence.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine arthritis is granted service connection, but his melanoma claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability and bilateral radiculopathy disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment for the period prior to April 16, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disorder, sciatic radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, and femoral radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities are all rated at their maximum allowable evaluations. The Veteran's left hip disorder is also rated at its maximum allowable evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection and secondary service connection for a neck disability, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and opinions regarding ionizing radiation exposure during service. The Veteran's bilateral ankle, knee, hip, and low back disabilities are related to his active service, including ionizing radiation exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, but the issues of secondary service connection for a lumbar spine disability and an increased rating for left knee disability are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative changes and lumbar intervertebral disc disorder, both of which are related to injuries sustained during active duty.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as his claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The claims are inextricably intertwined with each other.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (sleep apnea, PTSD, lumbar spine disability, and LLE radiculopathy) do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC based on housebound status, finding that he did not meet the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) prior to November 29, 2014 due to his service-connected disabilities and lack of substantial confinement.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is also granted for left lower extremity radiculopathy, which is related to the service-connected low back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disability, back disability, right ankle disability, and arthritis due to inadequate examination reports that did not consider the Veteran’s lay statements about his symptoms during service.

The Veteran's right humerus disability was noted at entrance to service and preexisted service. The Board denied service connection for this condition.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's pilonidal cyst, as it is related to service.