Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy are all rated at 20 percent. The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use is denied a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, postoperative residuals meniscectomy of the left knee with arthritis, lumbar spondylosis, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee, precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for ulcerative colitis, bilateral hearing loss, and a back disability due to new and material evidence. However, the claims are still denied as there is no current disability found for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and a left great toe disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's active military service.,The Board also found no evidence of a current left great toe disability during or immediately following service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine DDD is granted on a direct basis.,The Veteran's chronic qualifying disability manifested by headaches is granted on a presumptive basis.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability with radiculopathy, but denied service connection for hypoglycemia as it is not a compensable condition.

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

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disorder and degenerative disease of the lumbosacral spine, to include as secondary to service-connected PTSD. The issues are related to whether these conditions are caused or aggravated by her service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to cause her current headache disability. The lumbar spine disability, however, is not considered service connected as it did not manifest within one year of separation from service and there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service or post-service.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for lumbar spine DDD and a rating higher than 10 percent for right knee DJD due to deficiencies in the examination provided.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with L5/S1 spondylolisthesis was denied, and his claim for a 20 percent rating for right lumbar radiculopathy of sciatic nerve prior to September 23, 2019 was granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and theories of entitlement, including for service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED), neck disability, and back disability. The Veteran's ED is being examined in relation to his service-connected psychiatric disability, back disability, and neck disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine disability, right foot strain with mild hallux valgus, and left foot strain with mild hallux valgus. Additionally, the TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient medical opinions and a need for additional evidence. The Veteran's lumbar intradural lesion, to include tumor, and epidermoid cysts are being reviewed again.

The Board has granted service connection for a left ankle disorder and a low back disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted. Claims for acid reflux, COPD, bilateral tinea pedis, hemorrhoids, bronchitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, left ankle condition, right ankle condition, diverticulitis, migraines, back condition, and neck condition were denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete development and lack of consideration of lay statements regarding continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression and anxiety, was denied as the evidence did not show that VA treatment caused his condition.,The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for TBI, gastrointestinal disability (IBS), right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, bilateral lower extremity disability, bilateral upper extremity disability, and back disability are all REMANDED due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and requests for an additional examination.