Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that there is no evidence to support a direct relationship between her current condition and active duty service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to establish secondary service connection due to a service-connected lumbago disability.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under VA regulations.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, rated at 40 percent since November 2007, has been granted an increased rating to 40 percent.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted a 40 percent rating, but no higher, prior to February 12, 2020. A 40 percent rating is also assigned for the thoracolumbar spine beginning February 12, 2020. The Veteran’s left and right ankle disabilities are remanded for further examination.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, bilateral hip osteoarthritis, and right shoulder osteoarthritis as the evidence does not support a nexus to service.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his in-service back pain and symptomatology.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 20 percent, effective December 18, 2020. The claim for a higher rating prior to that date remains denied.,For the period from December 18, 2020 onwards, the Veteran's service-connected left and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve are each rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as the increase in disability had not occurred within one year before his June 2, 2018 claim.,Effective dates earlier than June 2, 2018, for the awards of service connection or increased ratings are not warranted due to lack of evidence showing an increase in disability during the relevant period.

The Board denied service connection for headaches, finding no evidence of a current disability related to service.,The Board remanded the issues of service connection for right knee and back disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's hammer toes are granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected plantar fasciitis.,Service connection for sacrum disability, including coccyx pain and coccygeus-sacral muscle spasm, is granted. The Veteran also received a 40% rating for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine after July 6, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability and its relationship to service-connected left leg disabilities. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his low back disability, which he claims began during service or as a result of his service-connected left leg and foot disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and bilateral pes planus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating for his lumbar spine disability and TDIU prior to April 13, 2018 due to incomplete examination findings. The case is being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neurological disabilities of his upper extremities and sexual dysfunction, all associated with a service-connected thoracolumbar strain. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's inguinal hernia was granted service connection, while his claims for myeloma and other conditions were denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals.,The Veteran’s bilateral pes planus has not met the criteria for a higher rating prior to February 28, 2019.

The Veteran's right knee strain and lumbosacral strain have been evaluated, with the right knee receiving a maximum rating of 30 percent since May 9, 2017. The right knee instability is granted as a separate condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and conducting a new VA examination.

The Veteran's left shoulder strain, lumbar strain, and chondromalacia of patella in both knees were granted service connection as they began during active service.,The Veteran's initial rating for left shin paresthesia was granted at a 10 percent level.

Service connection is granted for PTSD. The back disability claim is remanded due to a duty to assist error.