Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lower back and left knee conditions, finding that there is at least an approximate balance of evidence supporting these claims.,However, the issues regarding right hip, right knee, and left hip conditions have been remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine was rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that it did not warrant a higher rating as there was no evidence of ankylosis or significant functional loss.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development of records.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent from January 23, 2019. The right knee instability is granted an initial rating of 10 percent effective December 8, 2015. The right ankle disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis remains at 10 percent prior to November 30, 2020 and thereafter in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for various disabilities and increased ratings, as well as an earlier effective date claim. The Veteran's claims are now pending with the RO.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for thoracic vertebrae wedge deformities with DDD due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's service-connected disability and its associated symptoms and functional impairments.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder is granted due to burn pit exposure. The back disorder and opioid dependence are denied as not related to service or a service-connected condition. Chronic fatigue syndrome is also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate retrospective opinions regarding his service-connected lumbar degenerative joint disease and spinal stenosis, as well as peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity. The issues related to TDIU prior to October 26, 2021, are also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his back, neck, and acquired psychiatric conditions. The decision is based on the Veteran missing scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Veteran's back condition is granted service connection, while the right shoulder condition remains in dispute and remanded.

The Board denied service connection for AML and the cause of death due to service-connected conditions. The evidence did not support a finding that any service-connected condition caused or contributed substantially to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and a bilateral foot disorder due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for updated medical records.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's cervical and lower back disabilities, as well as whether they are related to service or his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal to restore a 60% rating for his lumbar spine disability has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing this appeal.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain has been rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a remand is necessary to evaluate the current severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to procedural issues and need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee, lumbar spine, cervical spine, and right shoulder disorders are not causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident during service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of her chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and bulging discs was denied. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for a low back condition and neck pain, finding that the evidence does not support a link to active duty service.