Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis, left lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve, and right lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve have been denied as his conditions do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are not related to his period of service.,The Veteran's right arm, left arm, right hip, left hip, right knee, left knee, right leg, and left leg disabilities are not related to his period of service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is granted service connection. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, as secondary to the service-connected right knee disability, is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's back disability and associated radiculopathy have been granted increased ratings, with the highest rating of 40% for his back disability from October 16, 2018. The radiculopathy of both lower extremities has also been granted increased ratings.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his low back disability was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to April 14, 2011 and a rating in excess of 20 percent beginning April 14, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a low back disability is remanded due to the need for an examination. The issue of service connection for PTSD was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a back disorder and neck disorder, as secondary to service-connected left knee disability. Additional development is needed to address whether these disorders were aggravated by the service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left hip, right knee, and lumbar spine disorders due to insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran's representative requested additional information about the qualifications of the clinician who provided the November 2021 examinations.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and secondary neurological abnormalities have been granted increased ratings of 40 percent and 20 percent, respectively. The case is remanded to determine if a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) should be granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy right lower extremity, sciatic nerve, and radiculopathy left lower extremity are remanded. The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is also remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to her satisfaction with the grant of benefits and request for withdrawal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and failed to address causation and aggravation of the upper back condition by service-connected encephalitis residuals.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is rated at 40 percent effective March 31, 2014. The claim for a higher rating is granted beginning March 31, 2014.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding the veteran's claims for service connection of low back and neck disabilities due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is granted, and the claims for TBI and headaches are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively, for his lumbar strain and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and inadequate VA examinations. The appellant's knee, back, and ankle disorders are being reviewed again for proper consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities rendered him incapable of obtaining and maintaining gainful employment prior to January 19, 2017.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to new evidence provided by the Veteran during a hearing. The VA will obtain and review all relevant treatment records, conduct examinations, and determine the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased rating for lumbosacral strain prior to February 24, 2014 and SMC based on aid and attendance due to insufficient evidence in the November 2012 VA examination. The Veteran needs a retrospective opinion regarding the severity of their service-connected back disability during that period.