Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was denied.,Effective dates were granted for a 10% rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (RLE) and left lower extremity (LLE), both effective January 28, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and CUE related to his cervical spine degenerative disc disease and migraine headache have been remanded due to the need for further review of the evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and lumbosacral strain were granted with an effective date of January 19, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability and bilateral eye disability due to inadequate development. The cases will be reviewed with new medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal of the issues regarding hammer toes, bilateral is dismissed. The remaining issues are being remanded for further evaluation and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's diagnosed lumbar degenerative arthritis is related to service, specifically addressing his reported injury during boot camp and in-service duties.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating greater than 10 percent prior to April 27, 2018, and greater than 20 percent thereafter, for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine. The evidence shows that his disability is manifested by complaints of low back pain and full range of motion throughout the appeal period.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disability and a low back disability, both of which are considered to be directly related to his military service without any secondary or aggravation by a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease is being remanded due to the need for additional records from SSA, workers' compensation, and service personnel/personnel records.

The Veteran's lumbar degenerative facet joint disease is rated at 40 percent effective August 8, 2020. The Veteran's headaches are also service-connected as secondary to his cervical and lumbar spine conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and temporary total evaluations due to various issues related to a blood clot on the brain. The Veteran's low back disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are alleged to have caused or aggravated his subdural hematoma, but the VA examiner did not address whether this was the case in their opinion.

The Veteran's neck strain with degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board has found that this rating does not adequately reflect his functional impairment. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a disability of the right hand and a bilateral foot disability are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to obtain medical records and address a relevant VA note.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for arthritis of the hips, legs, and knees was granted. The issues of service connection for other joints were also remanded.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was not manifested by forward flexion of the cervical spine to 15 degrees or less, ankylosis of the cervical spine, or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour.,For the period from June 3, 2021, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour.

The Board has ordered a remand for the Veteran's claims of lumbar spine strain and bilateral foot disability due to inadequate VA examinations. The case is returned to the Board for further action.

The Veteran's left anterior tibial stress syndrome is granted as secondary to his service-connected left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain with degenerative arthritis. The lower back condition issue is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of a lumbar spine condition due to the appellant's withdrawal request.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the lumbar strain is caused or aggravated by the service-connected disabilities, specifically bilateral PFS and pes planus.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service and arthritis did not manifest within one year of discharge.