Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back disability is denied as the evidence does not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, which would be required for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, lower back, and right knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and the effective dates are set as of January 27, 2012. The Board found no evidence indicating a formal or informal claim prior to this date.

The Veteran's neck disability, psychiatric disability, low back disability, and bilateral knee disability are not found to have begun during service or be related to any event, injury, or disease during service.,A rating in excess of 0 percent for allergic rhinitis is denied.

The Veteran's disability ratings for lumbar spine and right knee conditions have been restored or granted, with the exception of a remanded issue regarding lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the cases of lumbar spine disability, right ear hearing loss, and major depressive disorder due to lack of clarity in the evidence regarding their onset or relationship to service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for insomnia is remanded due to a lack of recent examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for C2-C3 post traumatic neuralgia (diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the spine) is remanded because the VA examiner did not specifically address his claim and there was insufficient information about the location of his degenerative arthritis in the C2-C3 region.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for numbness left arm and right arm (claimed as peripheral neuropathy) are remanded due to a lack of recent examination and because the VA examiner did not provide a direct service connection opinion.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for L3-L4 diffuse disc bulging/L2-L5 lumbar spondylosis is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding continuity of care after service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypercalcemia (also claimed as a skin condition) is remanded because the VA examiner did not provide sufficient information about his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee chondromalacia is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding continuity of care after service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for abnormal myeloma cells (diagnosed as monoclonal gammopathy and leukopenia) is remanded because the VA examiner did not provide sufficient information about his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board has decided the right ankle disability case and remanded for further development regarding the back disorder. The Veteran's appeal is pending.

The Veteran's right shoulder tendinosis and DDD of the thoracolumbar spine have been granted increased ratings, but further examination is needed to determine if higher ratings are warranted.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection for various conditions due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine (claimed as back injury) is denied. His claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and degenerative arthritis status post right 5th metacarpal fracture are also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of the Veteran's right elbow, left elbow, right knee, and left knee disabilities for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, tinnitus, skin disorder, lung disorder, and melanoma. The claims are remanded due to a lack of VA treatment records and the need for specific information regarding the onset and nature of each condition.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ratings for various conditions and claims of secondary service connection. The decision also notes that there are outstanding VA treatment records which need to be obtained.

The Board dismissed all the appeals as they are related to deceased Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable for the period prior to April 12, 2017. As of April 12, 2017, his combined rating was 100%, and he is in receipt of special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including left hip disorder, right hip disorder, low back disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, and erectile dysfunction. The decision found that pre-existing left hip disorder existed prior to service and did not worsen during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right shoulder osteoarthritis and chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis have been remanded due to the submission of additional VA examination and clinical documentation. The case will be returned to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for consideration.

The Veteran's back disability is granted service connection. The effective dates for the increased ratings of PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, TDIU, and DEA benefits are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected conditions do not reach the level of equipoise as to whether he requires aid and attendance or is permanently housebound, thus denying his claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance and/or housebound status.