Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to incomplete development of the record.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a sternum disorder, colonic diverticulitis, lumbar spine disability, and tinnitus have been granted. The sternum disorder claim was dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran. Service connection has been established for the other conditions as secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to insufficient information about his employment history and potential accommodations for his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for pseudofolliculitis barbae, right and left knee disabilities, bilateral foot disability, migraine headaches, psychiatric disability, hypertension, stomach disability (acid reflux), cervical spine disability, low back disability, sleep apnea, hemorrhoids, surgical scar on lower back, neurological disability of the left lower extremity, and neurological disability of the right lower extremity. Additional development is required to obtain updated VA medical treatment records and properly executed releases for any private care providers who have treated the Veteran.

A 20 percent rating, but no more, for chronic thoracolumbar strain and lumbar retrolisthesis prior to August 23, 2020, is granted.,A separate noncompensable rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (RLE) of the sciatic nerve prior to August 23, 2020, is granted. A separate noncompensable rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (LLE) of the sciatic nerve prior to August 23, 2020, is also granted.,A compensable rating for limitation of flexion for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome prior to August 23, 2020, is denied. A 10 percent rating, but no more, for right knee PFS prior to August 23, 2020, is granted.,A compensable rating for limitation of flexion for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome prior to August 23, 2020, is denied. A 10 percent rating, but no more, for left knee PFS prior to August 23, 2020, is granted.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome since August 23, 2020, is denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for multi-level degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is remanded due to inadequate examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headache disability is analogous to migraines with completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, warranting a 50 percent rating. The lumbar spine disability remains remanded for further development, including obtaining a retrospective opinion regarding its severity throughout the appeal period. The issue of total disability due to individual unemployability is also remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran a 20 percent rating for his lumbar back disability, but the effective date is unclear. The case is remanded to determine the appropriate effective date and assess the severity of the condition from October 23, 1996 onwards.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and further development is needed.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back disability and remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral pes planus, hallux valgus, and sinus tarsitis.,Service connection is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding all current disabilities of the Veteran's feet.

The Board has remanded the issues of reducing disability ratings for back and radiculopathy, as well as increasing those ratings. The TDIU issue is also being remanded due to inextricable ties with the other issues.

The Board has found the VA examinations inadequate and remanded for a new examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's back disability. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the back disability claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's diagnosed lumbar degenerative disc arthritis, finding that it is related to injuries sustained during her military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show that his condition warranted a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of a back disability and dental condition. The case will be returned to the Board after compliance with appellate procedures.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and low back disability, finding no evidence of direct or secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, diabetes (due to Southwest Asia service), low back disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, Hepatitis C, OSA, and back conditions, have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to March 15, 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease, cervical spine due to a lack of evidence showing it was incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the effective dates for service connection and initial disability ratings are not warranted prior to June 12, 2007 or July 6, 2007. The claims have been REMANDED for further development.