Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, as well as his lumbar spine disability, have been granted increased ratings effective July 9, 2016. The maximum rating available for these conditions has not yet been reached.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability is related to his service-connected pes planus with plantar fasciitis. The RO must obtain all outstanding medical records and provide a new VA opinion on the etiology of the low back disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, so the case is dismissed.

The Board has previously denied the claim for service connection for a low back disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain Social Security Administration records that may be relevant to the claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neck, lower back, right hip, left hip, and left knee disorders due to a lack of compliance with VA's duty to assist in obtaining private medical records. The Veteran submitted new evidence from a private doctor that suggests his current conditions may be related to an accident in 1960.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected lower back condition has been dismissed because he withdrew the appeal before a decision was made.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the case is remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records, which may contain relevant medical information.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including hysterectomy residuals and various orthopedic issues, have rendered her unable to work in any physical or sedentary job throughout the appeal period. The Board has granted TDIU based on these disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that it is not related to his active duty service or his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for low back disability, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.

The Veteran's service-connected back and neck disabilities render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining an opinion on whether the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder is related to his service-connected right total knee replacement and/or left total knee replacement.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a sleep disorder, claimed as insomnia. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or current disability.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss. A VA examination is needed to determine if she currently has a diagnosis of hearing loss and its likely etiology.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new examination and etiological opinion regarding the Veteran's right knee condition, which is claimed as secondary to his service-connected back and left knee conditions.

The Veteran's full-time employment from August 31, 2011, to September 9, 2012, and from November 21, 2012 to July 2, 2014, indicates the Veteran was not precluded from engaging in substantially gainful employment for these time periods.,The Veteran's employment status during the period of September 10, 2012, to November 20, 2012 and from July 3, 2014 to January 13, 2015 is unclear based on the evidence of record.

Service connection for a skin condition, to include actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma, is granted. Service connection for a low back condition is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of chronic sinusitis and right wrist disability. The Board found new and material evidence to reopen these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The claim is being returned for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and determine whether separate ratings may be assigned for any associated neurologic abnormalities affecting his lower extremities.