Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 40 percent for chronic myofascitis of the lumbar spine was denied. The Board found that the disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or IVDS, and noted functional loss but no significant additional limitation.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, but denied service connection for a right ankle disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including new examinations and consideration of updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for low back disability, headaches, and PTSD due to insufficient evidence regarding the claimed in-service events.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is rated at 20 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on her symptoms and examination findings.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a right leg disability, finding that the appellant's conditions were not incurred or aggravated by her active duty training (ACDUTRA).

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the condition originated in service and has continued since then.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability, hepatitis A and B, fatigue secondary to CAD, and dizziness secondary to CAD. The appeals were also remanded for a TDIU determination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate reasons and bases in the previous decision, specifically regarding the August 2017 VA examination and medical opinion. The Veteran's low back disability is related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of VA examinations and new evidence submitted within one year of the July 2013 rating decision. The Veteran is expected to attend VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve) is granted a higher rating, and his degenerative disease (arthritis) of the lumbar spine is granted an increased initial rating. The Veteran's cervical spine disability, OSA, and memory loss are denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's back disability and urticaria.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show that his condition warranted a higher rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease and cervical strain with degenerative joint disease have been granted a 20% rating, effective from the dates specified. Service connection for AC joint arthritis of the right shoulder has also been granted.,A higher rating for AC joint arthritis of the right shoulder is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not caused by repetitive trauma incurred during his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to insufficient reasons and bases provided in previous decisions. The case is returned for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that it was not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected gastrointestinal disorder and did not have its onset during active duty. The decision also noted that there were no positive opinions linking the back disability to any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is denied. The claim for a higher initial rating for his lumbar spine disability is granted with a 10% rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is denied. The initial rating of 20 percent for the lower back condition prior to September 1, 2017 is granted, but a higher rating in excess of 20 percent thereafter and in excess of 40 percent from December 13, 2019 is denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including mental health conditions, back pain, and nerve damage in his legs. The AOJ is instructed to consider all evidence received since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case.