Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his intervertebral disc syndrome with chronic low back strain, finding that there was no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, and back disabilities due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran contends that his current knee and back conditions are related to intense physical training during active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine condition, including a review of his service records and pay records from September 1991.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for neck disability, left and right knee degenerative arthritis, and back disability. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or were related to in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a back condition due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the etiology of the Veteran's condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability is related to an injury during basic training, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of lumbar disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome and sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is also remanded. Additionally, the issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to October 8, 2018 remains on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been reopened and granted. The Board also remanded several issues related to his low back, migraines, bilateral foot, and right leg disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions and the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective October 30, 2009. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or functional equivalent thereof.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for low back disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for further development, including referral of his TDIU claim for extraschedular consideration prior to March 15, 2017.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee, left knee, right ankle, and low back disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Veteran's loss of balance is due to his service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome, degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral strain, degenerative disc disease, facet arthropathy and L2-L5 laminectomy, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve paralysis with radiculopathy and neuropathy. The Board granted service connection for loss of balance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing, special home adaptation grant, SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound status, or automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment. The claims are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a back condition, but remanded the issue of service connection for headaches due to inadequate VA opinions.

The Veteran's back brace caused wear and tear to his clothing, resulting in the need for frequent shirt replacements. The Board granted a clothing allowance for the 2015 calendar year based on this issue.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran is asked to provide information about any missing STRs, and all relevant medical records are requested.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records from VA and private facilities. The Veteran's left ankle and low back disorders are being reviewed again with these new records.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was denied. The thoracolumbar spine condition is rated at 20 percent, and the residuals of a healed 5th metacarpal fracture of the right hand are rated at 10 percent.

A disability rating of 20 percent, but no higher, for the service-connected dorsal lumbar paravertebral myositis with bulging discs L4-5 and L5-S1, and degenerative joint disease (DJD) L5-S1 apophyseal joints was granted.,A disability rating of 20 percent, but no higher, for the service-connected lumbar myositis with bulging discs and DJD was granted from September 23, 2001 to July 17, 2013.,A disability rating of 40 percent, but no higher, for the service-connected lumbar myositis with bulging discs and DJD was granted from July 17, 2013 to November 20, 2020.