Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, lumbar spine disability with radiculopathy, right and left hip disabilities, and increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type II, SFW to Muscle Group XVII on the left side, SFW of the left wrist involving Muscle Group VIII, and left buttock scar and left forearm scar have all been denied.,The Veteran's service records do not show any evidence of a TBI. His current lumbar spine disability with radiculopathy is not shown to be related to his service or injury therein. Right and left hip disabilities are also not shown to be related to his service or injury therein.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is denied, and ratings for his lower extremity radiculopathy are granted with limitations. The appeal is not about service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied prior to November 1, 2021. Beginning November 1, 2021, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating remained denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for total left knee replacement, residuals of a total right knee replacement, and degenerative disk disease of the lumbar spine with herniated disks have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and he was granted increased ratings for radiculopathy of the right and left sciatic nerves. The case is remanded due to a TDIU claim prior to June 24, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder due to exposure to depleted uranium munitions. Service connection is denied for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claim for lumbar degenerative disc disease was previously denied, but new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. The claim for PTSD is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for vertigo, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine (as secondary to service-connected TBI), and cervical spondylosis (also as secondary to service-connected TBI).

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 40 percent from May 22, 2020. The Board denied an increased rating as the evidence did not show that the condition warranted a higher rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the initial disability ratings and compensable disability rating for his service-connected arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and dyschromia, respectively.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back and neck disorders, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient development. The Veteran's STRs are unavailable, but his statements from fellow service members, private treatment records, and VA examinations support his contentions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted an initial rating of 20 percent, effective October 23, 2013. Separate ratings for lower extremity radiculopathy and sensory impairment are also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition, claiming as muscle spasms, finding that there is no evidence of such condition during active duty and concluding that it is more likely related to his body habitus over years of working.

Service connection is granted for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome.,The Board has remanded the issues regarding service connection for a cervical spine disability and headaches due to potential aggravation by pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound, thus SMC based on these criteria is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine IVDS, lumbar degenerative disease, and bilateral knee arthritis due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a back condition are all granted. The decision specifically mentions that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of a back condition related to his military service, including a fall during basic training.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable due to their collective impact, as he can still perform the physical and mental acts required by most jobs.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and femoral radiculopathy are all remanded for further evaluation due to reported worsening symptoms. The TDIU claim is also remanded.