Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity were granted a 20% rating, effective October 2, 2019. The left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted an effective date of October 2, 2019, with a 20% rating from that date.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations of various disabilities, including cervical strain, thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis (back disability), right and left lower extremity radiculopathies, and knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability, lower back disability, and left lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's TDIU claims for the periods from August 8, 2014 to October 3, 2016 and from October 3, 2016 are denied as her service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a schedular or extraschedular TDIU rating. The Veteran's education and work history demonstrate that she is capable of engaging in non-physically demanding employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and further development is needed for both service connection and TDIU claims.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the Veteran requested withdrawal of the issue regarding a rating in excess of 40 percent for a back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete compliance with previous directives and the need for further clarification of opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted. The Board found that the evidence established a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for low back pain with degenerative disc disease, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to additional development being required.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's low back disability. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability, lower back disability, and bilateral foot disability. However, these claims are still being remanded as additional evidence is needed to determine the precise nature and etiology of each disability.,The Board also reopened the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for an upper back disability. This claim is also being remanded as additional evidence is needed to determine the precise nature and etiology of this disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder due to insufficient evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service treatment records are unremarkable for complaints, diagnosis, or treatment referable to right knee, back, or thyroid conditions.,There is no credible evidence of a chronic right knee, back, or thyroid condition disability in service. The earliest post-service clinical evidence of these disabilities is nearly four decades after separation from service.

The Veteran's low back disorder is not service-connected as there is no credible evidence linking the current condition to service.,The Veteran's facial scars are not service-connected due to lack of a documented in-service injury or event.

The Board has granted service connection for lupus and degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that the evidence is in approximate balance regarding when these conditions began during active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a back disorder, finding that there was no causal link between his in-service injury and his current diagnoses.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that his current condition did not manifest in service and is not otherwise related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and low back pain as secondary to congenital bilateral pes planus with mild degenerative changes of the tibioarticular surfaces, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine stenosis L4/L5; L3/L4 and bilateral hearing loss due to duty-to-assist errors. The examiner is asked to provide an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's preexisting lumbar condition was aggravated by service, and to opine on the likelihood of a current disability being related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions are being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board finds that further etiology opinions are needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.