Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's OSA requires the use of a CPAP machine, but does not meet criteria for higher ratings due to lack of respiratory failure or tracheostomy.,PTSD symptoms cause reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% rating. The Veteran has maintained relationships and employment despite PTSD.,Lumbar spine disability does not meet criteria for higher than 20% rating based on forward flexion limitations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for seizures and mild arthritis of the lumbar spine, but has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine their etiology.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back disability due to the lack of evidence showing a current disability and no causal relationship between an in-service injury or disease. The cervical spine, right foot, and left foot disabilities are all remanded as there is insufficient medical evidence regarding their onset during active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and a compensable rating for his right ankle fracture.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip condition, left hip condition, and low back condition have been denied.,There is no evidence of any in-service injury or event that would support the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that new evidence supports these claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities have been granted service connection.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that additional information is required to adjudicate the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded them. The issues of TDIU are also remanded.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spondylosis is granted a 40 percent rating as of April 14, 2021. The ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathies are denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's low back disability is not service-connected. The respiratory disability claim, including COPD and chronic pneumonia, needs further examination to determine its etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine spondylosis with IVDS and left lower extremity radiculopathy are rated at 40 percent, effective June 8, 2021.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination and a need for further evaluation of the Veteran's low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disability. The claim will be reconsidered after obtaining a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective May 8, 2018. The Board has decided to remand the case for an updated VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is granted service connection. The rating for bilateral hearing loss and the claims for a back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain. The Veteran's left and right shoulder disorders, as well as his left hip, knee, and lower extremity radiculopathy are not related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral ankle disability and back disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for restoration of a 60 percent rating for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, and for increased ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy is being remanded due to the need for issuance of a statement of the case.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development on the issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and left lower extremity disability. The claim for a higher rating for back disability prior to March 6, 2019, remains denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to deficiencies in VA's duty to assist, including obtaining additional medical records.