Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's initial claim for an evaluation of bilateral hearing loss was denied, and the Board found that a noncompensable rating is appropriate. The case regarding service connection for a lumbar spine disability is remanded due to inadequate VA opinions.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, liver disorder, diabetes mellitus, and Bell's palsy. The Veteran was not found to have a current disability related to his military service.,Special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate was also denied as the Veteran does not meet the criteria of having a single 100% rated disability or additional disabilities independently rated at 60% or more.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives, requiring a VA examination and medical opinion for an evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected degenerative disease of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the issues of increased ratings for right and left hip disabilities, as well as the issue of an increased rating for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and sleep apnea due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran is being asked to provide additional opinions regarding whether his obesity, caused by his service-connected psychiatric disorder, bilateral knee condition, and tinnitus, is a substantial factor in causing his lumbar spine disability and/or sleep apnea.

The Veteran's left hip condition and back condition are granted service connection.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's left ankle disability is remanded. The Veteran's pelvic condition, if diagnosed, will also be remanded to determine its etiology.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's back disability was aggravated by service. The Veteran seeks service connection for a back disability, and the VA examiner concluded that it is less likely than not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, and grants a TDIU with a combined rating of 80 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted since the last decision. The issues include sleep apnea, respiratory conditions (including asthma and bronchitis), and a lower back condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for a lumbar spine disability due to additional development being needed.,The Veteran's service connection claims for ulcers, chronic fatigue syndrome, and arthritis are denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions during or contemporary to the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and osteoarthritis of bilateral knees as secondary to service-connected pes planus.,Service connection for a cervical spine disability, including as secondary to service-connected disabilities (including pes planus), is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for cardiovascular disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease, arthralgias, and low back disability have been granted. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis was rated at 10 percent from December 1, 2013, through January 10, 2016, and at 20 percent from January 11, 2016, to October 10, 2021. The Veteran's degenerative arthritis with IVDS was rated at 40 percent since October 11, 2021.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating issues related to her back disability, including residuals of a spinal cord stimulator. The Veteran should be provided with new examinations and VA treatment records must be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his back disability from November 2011 to the present.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee strain and instability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board has remanded his claim for an increased rating. His RLE radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent since July 31, 2021.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical evidence and conduct further evaluation of the Veteran's thoracic spine disability.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back disability and remanded the issue of service connection for hypertension. The denial is based on lack of evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, nor ankylosis of either knee. Therefore, he does not qualify for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance with adaptive equipment.