Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease. The right knee disorder and the back disorder, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease, are both remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for neurosyphilis, spine disability (claimed as secondary to neurosyphilis), left leg disability, and right leg disability. The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred in or related to active duty service.,The Veteran's assertions regarding the onset of his spinal cord injury during service were not supported by the medical evidence.

The Board has found that a new VA examination is necessary to determine the current level of severity of the Veteran’s lumbar spine and knee disabilities, as well as an updated TDIU application is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including Bartter Syndrome and its secondary effects. The case is being returned to obtain clarification on the nature of her condition and determine if it was acquired in service or preexisted.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder with anxiety is found to be the proximate cause of his current coronary artery disease (CAD). The Board has granted service connection for CAD as secondary to this condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased disability ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and left knee osteoarthritis prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain, finding that the Veteran's disability did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on limitation of motion or intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and evidence to determine appropriate disability ratings.

The Board has denied service connection for a left ankle disorder and remanded the issues of service connection for back, neck, right arm, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic strain lumbosacral spine was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to March 8, 2017, in excess of 20 percent from March 8, 2017 to August 13, 2018, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to insufficient evidence showing he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities. The case will be referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's residuals of a left knee injury, right shoulder injury, and low back disability. The conditions are deemed to be directly related to his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that his current condition is related to his in-service injury during paratrooper training.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and left knee disabilities due to incomplete medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for lumbosacral osteoarthritis prior to April 3, 2015 was granted. From April 3, 2015 to May 8, 2017, the Veteran received a 40 percent disability rating. After that date, his claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable error in a prior December 1965 rating decision.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, which is secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee disability, needs further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome was denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus, back disability (lumbar spine), shin splints, and heel spurs due to insufficient evidence in the record.,Further development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service or any other relevant factors.

The Board has granted service connection for low back, neck, right hip, and right knee disabilities. The Veteran's right shoulder and right hand disabilities are not service-connected.