Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues with his lumbar spine, hearing loss, tinnitus, thoracic spine, and right knee disabilities. The claims are being reviewed again as separate issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the submission of new VA medical evidence. The issues will be reconsidered, and a decision will be provided.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to non-compliance with previous directives. The Veteran's service-connected back and left lower extremity radiculopathy are still under appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.,A TDIU claim is also being remanded as part of this appeal.

The Veteran is granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected lower back disability and TDIU benefits from July 1, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's ability to work prior to September 9, 2015, for his service-connected lumbosacral strain (claimed as herniated disc). The case is being returned to obtain a retrospective opinion from an examiner focusing solely on the impact of this condition on the Veteran's employability during that period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions regarding his service-connected disabilities, including right shoulder-AC separation, right knee strain (recharacterized as total knee replacement), cervical spine disability, lumbosacral strain, left elbow avulsion injury with residuals, left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, GERD, malaria residuals, headaches, and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for his right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability and radiculopathies have been granted increased evaluations, a TDIU has been awarded, and the extension of special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria is granted.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, and the claim for an increased rating remains pending.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is each rated at 20 percent, effective April 10, 2014. The claim for higher ratings remains pending.,SMC based on need for aid and attendance was denied as the evidence did not show that the Veteran was helpless or in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and right knee disabilities, but has remanded them due to additional development being needed. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and heart disorder are also remanded.

The Veteran's attorney withdrew the appeal of his claims for service connection for back, left hip, and right hip disabilities before a decision was made by the Board.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine disc herniation and degenerative joint disease, as well as the ratings in excess of 20 percent for left and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, are all denied.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was granted. The evidence shows that his service-connected disabilities prevented him from performing the physical acts required for employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA examination and additional medical opinions. The Veteran's claim of service connection for lumbar spine disability, including bruised coccyx bone and bulging disc, is being reopened due to submission of new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a 70% rating beginning August 12, 2009. The claim for increased ratings and service connection for other conditions are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed the issues related to right arm tendonitis, left subacromial subdeltoid bursitis, and left shoulder service connection as they were not on appeal. The remaining claims of entitlement to increased ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and lumbosacral strain are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on his left ankle disability, service connection for right and left leg disabilities, and acquired psychiatric disorder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for the left ankle sprain or service connection for the right and left leg disabilities. The back and hip conditions were remanded due to insufficient information on their relationship with service. The Veteran's right and left hand disabilities were also remanded as they may be related to congenital defects, but further clarification is needed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and clarification of the medical opinions regarding service connection for back disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, and DIC benefits. The claims are being returned to VA for additional evaluations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include right leg disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, cardiovascular disability, and thoracolumbar spine disability.