Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment prior to June 12, 2004.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to limited flexion during flare-ups.,The Veteran's mild left mandibular paresthesia is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds no basis for an increased rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his in-service injury. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claims due to new VA treatment records being added to the case file. The Veteran's appeal will be reviewed by the AOJ for these additional records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of TBI and an increased rating for his thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease with left lower extremity weakness is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has remanded the claims for a low back disability, left leg disability, headaches, and PTSD due to insufficient evidence. The appellant's adjustment disorder with anxiety is granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records from Dr. D. Jones and a need for an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected back disability and lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as his claim for service connection for a neck disability. The VA is instructed to provide additional examinations and opinions to address these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo, migraine headaches, and lumbar spine disability due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claim for a back disability due to insufficient consideration of post-service complaints and treatment records.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) on an extraschedular basis from December 1, 2012 to July 11, 2013. The claim for TDIU prior to December 1, 2012 is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disk disease of the lumbar spine has prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to inadequate development of the record.

The Veteran's right ankle disability and back disability were granted increased ratings. The right ankle was rated at 20 percent, while the back disability was rated at 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back, bilateral hip, left knee and right ankle disabilities are related to his service-connected right knee and left ankle disabilities. As a result, these conditions have been granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for back disability, but dismissed all other claims due to the Veteran's withdrawal of appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for a low back disability, an acquired psychiatric disability, and seizures due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The VA must obtain additional treatment records and provide new medical opinions.

The Veteran's increased rating for cervical strain with degenerative disc disease is granted, but no higher.,Increased ratings are remanded for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and sciatic nerve disabilities.,TDIU is remanded as it was not addressed in the previous decision.,Permanent and total rating and SMC based on need for aid and attendance are also remanded due to their interrelation with other issues.

Your appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities has been dismissed because the issue is considered moot as it was already addressed in another pending appeal.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to readjudicate the claims for service connection for a lower back disability, left knee pain, psychiatric disability, erectile dysfunction, and insomnia. The claims are being remanded for further development.