Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus type II (DM) is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides. Claims for low back disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability are denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on multiple service-connected conditions are being remanded to the RO/AMC for further development and consideration.,Issues include scars of the left abdomen, scar of the posterior trunk (back), residuals status post gunshot wound to the abdomen, residuals status post gunshot wound to the lower back, PTSD, tinnitus, lumbosacral strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and a right hip disability, finding that the evidence is in approximate balance regarding whether these conditions were incurred or aggravated during periods of active duty training (ADT) while the Veteran was on active duty.

Your appeals for increased disability ratings have been dismissed due to the appellant's death. The Board has no jurisdiction to proceed with these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for further development and examination.

The Board has remanded several claims for service connection and effective dates, including those related to spondyloarthritis with spondylolisthesis, lumbar strain, posterior central disk protrusion and cauda equina compression, as well as various radiculopathy conditions. The Veteran's complete VA treatment records prior to January 2002 are requested for review.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine at 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with incapacitating episodes.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right knee disability was denied as there is no evidence showing flexion limited to 15 degrees.

The Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as lumbar degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis, is now granted.,The Veteran's right foot disability (pes planus), left foot disability (pes planus), right ankle disability (chronic right ankle sprain), and right hand disability (carpal tunnel syndrome) are all now granted. The Veteran's COPD claim remains pending as it was remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's low back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU claim due to new evidence added to the record. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the claim for a TDIU due to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The issue is being referred to the appropriate department officials for extraschedular consideration based on multiple service-connected disabilities prior to February 8, 2017, and as of September 6, 2018.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder and bilateral shoulder disorders, finding no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine status post-laminectomy is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating. Ratings for limitation of abduction of the right hip and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are denied.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for service connection for low back disability, hysterectomy, dependent child benefits, and an increased rating for anemia.

The Veteran's back condition was granted an increased rating to 40 percent from April 11, 2014. The RO also denied increased ratings for prostatitis during specific periods of time.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected back, knee, and ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations addressing the nature and severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for a new VA examination to determine if an increased rating or TDIU is warranted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for a new examination to assess the severity of his lumbar spinal stenosis with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease due to inadequate previous examinations. The Veteran is entitled to a 40 percent rating from June 2015, but the current examination report does not fully comply with prior remand directives.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of adequate discussion on whether the Veteran's low back disorder is caused or aggravated by his service-connected right and left knee chondromalacia.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to address the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for regular aid and attendance. The case is now pending with instructions to obtain updated treatment records and conduct an examination to determine if the Veteran requires regular aid and assistance.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including arthritis, chronic pain syndrome, back disorder, neck disorder, respiratory disorder, a disorder manifested by black outs, cardiovascular disorder, and hypertension. The case is remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder due to military sexual trauma (MST).