Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's cervical and thoracolumbar spine conditions were evaluated, with the Board finding that additional evidence is needed to determine appropriate ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was granted a 40% evaluation from February 4, 2020 to October 1, 2020.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, hemorrhoids, and allergic rhinitis have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during service or were related to in-service injuries.,Service connection for the lumbar spine disability was also denied as there is no evidence showing it began during service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is service connected. However, due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of a VA examination for his cervical spine disability, the case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar strain was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to July 31, 2014.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and shin splints due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating before May 2, 2017, and from May 2, 2017, onward, they did not meet the criteria for a disability rating of 50 percent or higher.,From April 4, 2014, to June 24, 2021, the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with mild degenerative changes was rated at 10 percent. After that date, it was rated at 20 percent.,The Veteran's throat condition, right elbow disability, and skin disability were remanded for further review.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and the effective dates for certain service connection claims are dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his lumbar spine, right hip, and left hip disabilities. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for valvular heart disease, back disability, and right knee disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU.

The Board has found that further development is necessary before the Board can properly adjudicate the claims, including obtaining outstanding treatment records and scheduling VA examinations for the Veteran's disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disability and a back disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has denied service connection for ocular migraines and osteoarthritis, lumbar spine. The claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is remanded due to the failure to issue a Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for a lumbar spine disability and for TDIU due to additional evidence received since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and new evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral knee disability was withdrawn during the hearing. The right shoulder disability remains in appellate status and is denied as it does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent.,The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted, but his right shoulder disability must be remanded to determine if he meets the schedular requirement for consideration of TDIU due to other service-connected disabilities. The lumbar spine disability remains in appellate status and needs further review.,The Veteran's appeal for a rating higher than 10 percent for his lumbar spine disability is pending, as it requires additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions. The claims will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's initial increased rating for a service-connected back disability is granted, but the issue of an increased TDIU rating is remanded due to incomplete VA examinations and outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including kidney disease (60%), COPD (30%), and other injuries, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU rating based on the combined evaluation of his service-connected conditions.