Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder is related to his military service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, requiring VA examinations to address the etiology of the Veteran's hip and knee disorders.

The reduction of the rating for lumbar spine strain from 40 to 20 percent was improper, and the 40 percent rating is restored.,A 20 percent rating, but no higher, for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is granted effective April 20, 2021. The claim of entitlement to a rating higher than 20 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy remains remanded.,The reduction of the rating for lumbar spine strain from 40 to 20 percent was improper, and the 40 percent rating is restored.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate VA examination and duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities associated with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent each, effective February 25, 2008.,Effective February 25, 2008, the Veteran also received TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 40 percent disability rating for service-connected lumbar strain with bulging disc, effective July 1, 2020, as the evidence did not show improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, headaches, and right ankle disorder are denied. The claim for service connection for a right ankle disorder is granted as new and material evidence has been received.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) and left upper extremity radiculopathy, both secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability. The decision is based on the evidence showing that these conditions are caused by or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied as his disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on several service-connected conditions have been dismissed as the claims were withdrawn by his representative during a hearing. The Board has also determined that additional examinations are needed to assess the severity of his ankle and knee disabilities, as well as whether he has radiculopathy.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and an increased rating for osteoarthritis of the left knee, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's back disability and his military service. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his current back condition is related to his service.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for extension of temporary total ratings and SMC, effectively dismissing these issues. The lumbar spine disorder claim was dismissed due to withdrawal.

The Veteran's lumbar strain and associated radiculopathy have been granted ratings. Service connection for left upper extremity numbness is pending, while TDIU remains unresolved.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed substantially or materially to his death and if they caused or aggravated his diabetes. The case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional treatment records and VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if there is a link between the Veteran's current conditions (back disability, chronic cough, and hypertension) and her service.

The Veteran's appeal for fibromyalgia was dismissed.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection of various disabilities, including hip, shoulder, and back conditions.

The Veteran's low back strain prior to April 7, 2008 did not meet the criteria for a disability rating greater than 10 percent.