Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and a TDIU is being remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and bilateral plantar fasciitis. The Veteran's conditions are found to be related to his active service.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded due to insufficient compliance with prior instructions. The Veteran's claim for compensation under § 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is being reviewed again, and a new medical opinion is needed from an Orthopedic Specialist.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine have not met the criteria for a higher disability rating during the specified periods.,The Board has remanded these issues due to insufficient development.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates have been dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran did not file a claim prior to March 30, 2018, for his lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy.,The claims of service connection for headaches, diabetes mellitus, right foot disabilities, left foot disabilities, right knee disabilities, and left knee disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lower back disability, left knee arthritis, and right knee arthritis due to procedural issues with the appeal process.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's musculoskeletal disorders, acquired psychiatric disorder, bladder problems, urinary tract infections, and sinus condition. The Veteran is also being asked to undergo a VA examination for his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's tinnitus and hernia have been granted service connection. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and lumbar spine disability are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back, left hip, and left knee disabilities did not have their onset during service or within one year of discharge. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.,The VA examiners provided opinions concluding that there is no causal relationship between the Veteran's current back, left hip, and left knee disabilities and his service.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to missing private medical records and a need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied.,A rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine disability prior to December 13, 2019 has not been met.,Initial compensable ratings for RLE and LLE radiculopathy from April 4, 2022 have not been met.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve) secondary to service-connected lumbar spine disability has not been met.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of a right knee disorder due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The claims for back, left ankle, left foot, and left knee disorders are REMANDED.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including for a TDIU rating. The appeal remains in the legacy system due to an increase in the rating for herniated lumbar disc L3.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for upper back/neck and low back disabilities are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

Service connection is granted for a back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, left and right hip disabilities, and left and right knee disabilities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability.,The evidence supports that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service injuries and are aggravated by his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar strain was denied, and separate ratings were granted for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (RLE) and left lower extremity (LLE).

The Board has determined that the development conducted does not comply with the July 2021 Board remand and thus, the case is being returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection and rating increases as well as a claim for TDIU due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and obstructive sleep apnea as the evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.,There is no competent evidence linking any of the Veteran's current disabilities to his active duty service.

The Veteran's arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the back are related to his service, and the claim for service connection is granted.