Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for his lumbar spine and sciatic nerve disabilities were denied. The VA found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection due to exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, radiation, or Gulf War Syndrome.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims of service connection for various lower extremity disorders due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his lumbar spine disorder is granted, with the effective date being January 24, 2020. The claim for TDIU benefits prior to January 24, 2020, is also granted.

The Board has remanded two issues related to the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities for further development, including obtaining updated VA examinations that address specific functional loss during flare-ups or after repetitive use.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical degenerative disc disease.,Service connection for right lower and left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy (previously characterized as muscle pain) is also granted.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased evaluation and service connection. The Board cannot proceed with these issues as the Veteran has requested to withdraw them.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle and low back disabilities due to insufficient examination reports.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and inextricably intertwined issues. The claims will be reconsidered with additional development.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for vertigo was denied. The claim for service connection for persistent depression with anxiety is granted, and the claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability is reopened.,The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities and migraine headaches are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of various hip and knee disabilities, as secondary to service-connected pes planus. The Veteran's testimony indicates that his current disabilities are related to his military service and exacerbated by his service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a lower back condition and ED due to inconsistencies in the medical opinions provided. The Veteran's representative also requested an opinion on whether the ED is secondary to his service-connected knee and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent prior to April 21, 2021 and denied for a rating in excess of 20 percent from that date.

The Board has found that a remand is necessary due to the need for proper range of motion testing and additional development. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her lumbar spine disability remains pending.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar myositis and service connection for a psychiatric disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain relevant records, schedule an appropriate examination, and provide a medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD, intervertebral disc disease, lumbar facet arthropathy, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and migraine headaches are all granted. A 70% disability rating is assigned for PTSD prior to May 20, 2021.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of adequate medical opinions and potential need for additional evidence. The claims are now pending with the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied, with effective dates set at August 9, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports regarding flare-ups and functional loss.

An effective date of May 17, 2012, but not before, for the assignment of a 30 percent disability rating for tension headaches is granted.,An effective date of June 14, 2012, but not before, for the original assignment of a 20 percent disability rating for cervical strain with degenerative disc disease (DDD) is granted.,An effective date of June 14, 2012, but not before, for the original assignment of a 20 percent disability rating for lumbar DDD is granted.,An effective date of June 14, 2012, but not before, for the original assignment of a TDIU is granted.