Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral carpel tunnel syndrome, a bilateral foot condition, and a lower back condition due to service connection. The VA examiners were requested to provide opinions on the nature and etiology of these conditions, considering the Veteran's lay statements and those of his spouse.

Service connection is granted for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, both of which are service-connected under direct criteria.,The Veteran's cervical spine/neck disability, residuals of head injury, migraines, seizure disorder, lumbar spine disability, disabilities of the bilateral upper extremities, to include shoulder, arm, and radiculopathy, as well as left ear hearing loss, remain in appellate status.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including borderline personality disorder and bipolar II disorder. The claims are being remanded to obtain medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a right forearm gunshot wound. The issues of lumbar degenerative disc disease and lumbar radiculopathy are inextricably intertwined with the right forearm gunshot wound issue.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle disability, left ankle disability, back disability, and left hip disability. However, the Board denied service connection for a broken left rib, right knee disability, and left knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to his failure to attend VA examinations and the need for additional private treatment records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of service connection and increased ratings for his back, right shoulder, left knee disabilities. The Board dismissed these issues as a result.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal, leaving no issues for further consideration.

The Veteran's back disability and post-operative left knee disability are rated at 10 percent each, with the decision denying ratings in excess of these percentages. A TDIU is granted from January 1, 2020.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of sinusitis and denied service connection for this condition. The back disability and bilateral knee disability are remanded due to incomplete records, and the acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new VA examination to evaluate the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and address issues related to his TDIU.

The Veteran's left foot tendinitis and osteoarthrosis, lumbar sprain, and neck strain have been granted increased ratings. However, the issues of service connection for right hand disability, left ankle disability, and right foot disability remain unresolved and are being remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at a 40 percent rating, effective from the date of claim. A 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted effective April 19, 2006.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right knee condition and lumbar degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis, both claimed as secondary to service-connected left knee patellofemoral syndrome. The VA examiners were directed to provide opinions on whether these conditions are proximately due or aggravated by the service-connected left knee condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, bilateral neuropathy, and a chronic back disability due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for his lumbar spine disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support ankylosis of the entire spine, which is necessary for a higher rating.

The Veteran's back condition and sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are granted with specific ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of right upper extremity radiculopathy or other disabilities related to the issues raised.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with its October 2019 remand directives and has therefore ordered the claims to be remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lower back disability and nerve condition of the left lower extremity. The claims are now pending for further development.