Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his DDD of the thoracolumbar spine was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence showing flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, which would warrant a higher rating under the General Rating Formula.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with IVDS, herniated disc of L5-S1, and arthritis is currently rated at 40 percent from September 16, 2020. The Board denied a higher rating for the condition.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back condition and remanded the issue of a compensable rating for rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the cases of hypertension, left knee disability, and chronic low back condition for additional development as the addendum opinions are not adequate.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the remand directives for the claim decided herein and has therefore ordered another remand to address issues related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the claims due to inability to obtain the Veteran's service personnel records from the 219th squadron and Lackland Air Force Base. The RO must make another attempt to obtain these records, or provide a formal finding of unavailability if continued efforts would be futile.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability is denied, but he is granted a separate 20 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy effective from June 28, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability, low back disability, and cervical spine disability due to new evidence received since the March 2004 decision.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and an inadequate VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and a left leg disorder, as these issues are inextricably intertwined. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, except during a period of temporary total disability. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of this rating.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including his partial medial meniscectomy and degenerative disc disease, resulted in frequent episodes of joint locking and effusion as of July 13, 2019. A separate rating of 10 percent is granted for this condition.

The Veteran's use of a back brace for his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease caused wear and tear on his clothing, leading to the grant of a clothing allowance for 2016.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent prior to December 3, 2008. The Board has remanded the cases for further development and rating consideration.

The Veteran's lumbar spine myofascial syndrome is rated at 20 percent since December 4, 2020. Separate ratings of 10 percent are assigned for radiculopathy affecting the left and right lower extremities.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for cervical strain and lumbar strain were denied. The current ratings of 30 percent for cervical strain and 40 percent for lumbar strain are not higher than what is warranted based on the evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran is seeking service connection based on in-service injuries during parachute jumps.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment from May 21, 2009, until October 18, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability but has remanded the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations conducted in connection with this appeal were not sufficient to determine the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy. The Board is therefore remanding the case for further development.