Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and remanded the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for left knee degenerative arthritis prior to September 16, 2020, and reopening of claim for total left knee replacement.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his back condition is denied, as the evidence does not show that his disability warrants a rating in excess of 40 percent. The Veteran's left knee condition has also been rated at 10 percent and remains unchanged.

The Veteran's low back injury prior to November 20, 2008 was granted a 40 percent evaluation.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and right lower extremity were each granted increased evaluations from May 19, 2011 onwards.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including private treatment records and VA examinations.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about verifying the Veteran's report of a motor vehicle accident during his active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination reports for the period prior to April 18, 2017. The Veteran needs a new VA examination and retrospective medical opinion.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis at C6-C7 is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has granted a separate 40 percent rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy and a separate 30 percent rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy, both effective November 10, 2010.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, and headaches disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the Board finds that his conditions do not warrant higher ratings for PTSD, lumbar spine DDD, sciatic nerve radiculopathy, knee DJD, shoulder DJD, ankle DJD, elbow tendonitis, or foot plantar fasciitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back disability, GERD, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to inextricably intertwined issues with the Veteran's other claims. The claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED) is also deferred pending resolution of these matters.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's low back condition and GERD are not service-connected. The issues of increased rating for PTSD with anxiety disorder NOS and depressive disorder NOS, and TDIU have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion and incomplete VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic low back disability is now pending again.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, lumbar spine disability, bowel and bladder dysfunction, hip impairments, ankle strains, flat feet, knee limitations of flexion, shoulder disability, elbow bursitis/limitation of flexion, and tension headaches have been granted. The Veteran also received increased ratings for his right hip impairment and limitation of extension as well as a 60 percent rating for his lumbar spine disability effective November 13, 2014.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hemorrhoids and a low back disorder due to insufficient development. The Veteran's current diagnoses were not present in service or for years thereafter, but there is new evidence suggesting they may be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of marked limited motion in any ankle or knee, and thus no higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes could be granted.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine and left hip disabilities. The VA needs to obtain additional medical records, arrange for new examinations, and provide a clear opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete compliance with prior remand instructions and the need for additional medical opinions. The claims are related to bilateral shoulder disability, cervical spine disability (secondary to knee disability), and lumbar spine disability (secondary to knee disability).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disorder, low back disorder, and respiratory disorder are all granted. The decision also notes that the claim of service connection for a low back disorder is reopened due to new and material evidence.

The Veteran's back disorder is remanded for a new VA examination to determine if it is related to his in-service slip and fall injury.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is remanded for an addendum opinion addressing whether it is secondary to the service-connected back disorder or tinnitus.,The Veteran's headaches are remanded for a VA examination to determine if they are related to his in-service complaints of head pain and/or service-connected tinnitus.,The Veteran's hypertension claim is remanded for an addendum opinion on whether it is secondary to his acquired psychiatric disorder and/or back disorder.