Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected thoracic back strain with degenerative disc disease is rated at 20 percent, which reflects the severity of his symptoms and functional limitations.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left and right lower extremity radiculopathies, as well as his increased rating claim for a lumbar spine disability, are granted. Effective March 12, 2014, the Veteran is entitled to a 20% schedular rating for his lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a lower back disorder due to incomplete information from the previous VA examination and the need for additional records.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining a VA addendum opinion to determine if the Veteran's back disability and/or left leg radiculopathy are aggravated by his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD with depressive disorder is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent prior to January 7, 2020 and in excess of 50 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and heart disorder are remanded due to insufficient development. Service connection for sarcoidosis is granted based on herbicide exposure.,Service connection for sarcoidosis is granted as the Veteran has demonstrated exposure to burn pits, which qualifies him under presumptive service connection criteria.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for multilevel lumbar degenerative disc disease and joint disease with myofascial pain and scoliosis is dismissed. The claim for service connection of arachnoid cyst is denied, while the claim for a higher initial rating for left knee degenerative joint disease with chondrocalcinosis is granted with a 10% rating effective July 9, 2009, and a separate 10% rating for right knee instability is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and his left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent prior to November 25, 2016, and 20 percent thereafter. The Board denied the Veteran's request for a higher rating for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability is related to his in-service injury and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for hearing loss, PTSD, left ankle scars, Achilles tendonitis, lumbar degenerative disc disease, and headaches due to incomplete examinations. The Veteran's service connection claims are being reviewed again.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for the Board to adjudicate the merits of the claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and the need for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted a 40 percent rating as of November 24, 2014. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea and the TDIU claim are remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve of both lower extremities is granted with a rating of 20 percent.,TDIU was granted as of January 7, 2008.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to July 14, 2018 due to lack of evidence showing he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back disability and an acquired psychiatric disability (specifically depression) based on evidence showing that the disabilities are at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records from the Veteran's service in the Texas Army National Guard. Further development is needed to locate and secure these records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if any diagnosed back conditions are related to service, including preexisting lordosis.