Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board has found that new evidence was received to reopen the claims for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, incontinence, headache disability, and posttraumatic stress disorder. These issues are being remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic headaches and migraines, a back disorder, chronic nerve pain, a right knee disorder, and appendix cancer and residuals to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions. The claims are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition has been reopened, but the issue of entitlement to service connection remains remanded due to incomplete records. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction claim is also remanded as there was no opinion regarding its relationship to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence is in equipoise regarding these claims. The Veteran's testimony and medical records support her claim of ongoing back pain since service.

The Board has denied service connection for neck, low back, right hip, left knee, and right knee disabilities as there is no probative evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent for the entire appeal period, with a separate 20 percent rating granted for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy from February 27, 2019.,Prior to February 27, 2019, the Veteran's back disability was rated at 40 percent. From that date forward, he is entitled to a separate 20 percent rating for each of his lower extremity radiculopathy conditions.

The Veteran's low back condition is etiologically related to her military service, and the claim for service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis (low back condition) has been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, as well as its relationship to service-connected bilateral foot disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back, right shoulder, and bilateral ankle disabilities due to conflicting evidence regarding their etiology.,The Veteran's assertions at his hearing suggest multiple injuries in service may have contributed to current disability. A medical opinion is required to address this.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to issues with range of motion testing and potential ankylosis. The Veteran is seeking increased evaluations for his service-connected lumbar spine and right femur disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar facet atrophy and sacroiliitis have not met the criteria for a higher disability rating, with or without associated neurological impairment.

The Board has determined that further action is needed to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disability, including obtaining additional service treatment records from his Army Reserve service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, temporary total evaluations, and TDIU due to incomplete etiology opinions. The Veteran's back disability is being evaluated again with consideration of his in-service duties.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, including service connection for it.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, back disability, and hypertension. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar disability has been granted a rating of 40 percent prior to July 13, 2021. For the entire appeal period, he is denied a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for thoracolumbar spine disability prior to May 10, 2018 was denied. For the period from May 10, 2018 to June 23, 2021, her claim for a higher rating was also denied.

The Board has awarded entitlement to a schedular TDIU and is remanding the issue of entitlement to an extraschedular TDIU prior to November 16, 2015. The AOJ should also furnish an SSOC to the Veteran and his representative.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain a retrospective medical opinion on the Veteran's lumbar spine disability prior to April 14, 2014. The examiner must consider all evidence of record and provide complete rationales for any opinions reached.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of his lumbar spine condition due to a lack of compliance with previous remands and the need for a new medical opinion.