Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a neck condition was dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's initial rating for IVDS and DDD of the lumbar spine with herniated nucleus pulposus of L5/S1 is denied as her disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's initial 20 percent disability rating for thoracic spine degenerative joint disease with compression fracture of T7 and T9 with lumbar spondyloarthropathy with degenerative disc disease and osteoporosis is granted prior to December 1, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of residuals of lumbar strain was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show intervertebral disc syndrome or other conditions warranting a higher rating.,Service connection issues for stomach and colon conditions were remanded due to insufficient medical opinions addressing potential service connection based on Agent Orange exposure, DDT use, and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to January 5, 2021 is granted. The claim for a higher rating from January 5, 2021 is denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for PVD of the RLE and LLE are remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision can be made.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a bilateral shoulder disability and back disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. A new examination is required.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and stomach ulcer, finding that there is no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrence.

The Veteran has withdrawn his claims for higher ratings for various spine and shoulder conditions, opting to have them reviewed under the modernized review system.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine and irritable bowel syndrome have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His TDIU claim is granted from September 13, 2016.

Your claim for service connection for a back disability has been granted, but the appeal is dismissed because your case was previously decided in favor of you.

The Board has remanded the service connection issues for low back disorder, neck disorder, bilateral knee disorder, right elbow disorder, and left shoulder disorder due to inadequate statements of reasons or bases in previous decisions.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his back disability was denied across multiple periods, with the most recent denial being in favor of a 40 percent rating from July 7, 2021.

Your service connection claims for cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and left hand disorders are being remanded to the VA for additional development.

The Board has denied service connection for GERD, TBI, headaches, bilateral knee disability, back disability, left shoulder disability, and heart disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a back condition due to additional development being needed, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient aggravation opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and its relation to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for his lumbar spine disability was denied. He also received initial compensable evaluations for his cervical laminectomy fusion scar and L1-L4 decompression scar.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a back disorder has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, prostate cancer residuals, and lumbosacral strain prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment due to his disabilities.