Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examinations in previous decisions, and a new examination is needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) and spinal stenosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is not related to his active duty service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to back disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and unemployability prior to September 25, 2013. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board found the reduction in disability ratings for lumbosacral strain and scoliosis, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity from 40%, 20%, and 20% to 20%, 10%, and 10% respectively was proper. The Veteran's disability ratings were reduced based on improvement in his condition as shown by VA examinations conducted in October 2017.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable disability rating for hemorrhoids has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection for right heel spur, left foot disability, and lumbar spine disability. The Board finds that these claims are granted.

The Board has remanded several claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date due to deficiencies in the VA examinations and missing medical records. The Veteran's left knee disability, lumbar spine apophysis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral pes planus with hind foot valgus, bunion formation, and degenerative arthritis are all subject to further review.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives, specifically regarding an adequate medical opinion on whether the Veteran's lower back disability was aggravated by his service-connected bilateral lower extremity neuropathies.

The Board has remanded multiple issues, including service connection for a cervical spine disorder and increased ratings for various disabilities. The Veteran's claims are being returned to the RO for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition was not incurred in or aggravated by service and did not manifest within one year of separation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to evidence indicating a worsening of his condition and the need for additional examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The Board has granted a higher rating for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, low back disability, and bilateral hearing loss disability have been granted.,His bilateral hearing loss disability is related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted service connection. The Veteran's mood disorder is granted a 70% rating from November 21, 2014 to January 8, 2021 and denied for increased ratings thereafter.

Service connection has been granted for lumbar disc disease, left ankle arthritis and instability, right ankle arthritis and instability, left knee arthritis and instability, and right knee arthritis and instability.,The Veteran's back disorder is related to his military service. The Veteran's left and right ankle disorders are also related to his military service due to multiple sprains during training. His bilateral knee disorders are related to his duties in field artillery.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was remanded due to issues with the Board's analysis of his educational history and work capacity. The case is now being returned for further consideration.

The Board has granted a 10% rating for the Veteran's residual scar, status post-lumbar left laminectomy. The scar is painful but not unstable.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no credible evidence linking his current condition to service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the reopening of claims for service connection for left knee and back disorders due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's entitlement to a 50 percent rating for residuals of head injury (headaches) prior to December 9, 2019 is granted. The Veteran's entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for residuals of head injury (headaches) and to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a lumbar spine disability prior to December 11, 2017 are denied. The cervical spine disability issue is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and lower extremity radiculopathy during flare-ups and after repeated use over time.