Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's initial rating for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with degenerative arthritis changes prior to January 15, 2020 is denied. The Veteran's left lower extremity sciatica was initially rated at 10 percent and increased to 20 percent effective January 15, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his neuroma of the greater trochanteric incision and chronic lumbosacral plexopathy with radiculopathy was denied. The Board found that a 30 percent rating is warranted from December 4, 2020 to December 17, 2021, but not prior to December 4, 2020 or since December 17, 2021.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting opinions and incomplete factual premises. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the back disability claim.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease is granted a 30 percent rating prior to November 6, 2019. From August 1, 2018, the Veteran is granted TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for upper and lower back disabilities, finding no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing STRs and SPRs, requiring further development including VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of VA treatment records and requests for additional information. The Veteran's low back disability is being reviewed again.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease and associated radiculopathy are currently rated at 30 percent. The Board has remanded the case to consider whether separate ratings for left upper extremity radiculopathy should be granted, as well as secondary service connection for any related conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches, right shoulder disorder, and sleep apnea have been granted. The claim for a left leg condition is denied. The TDIU claim prior to September 16, 2020, is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected lumbar strain due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives and the need for a new VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine (claimed as lower back condition), right foot drop, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral tinnitus. The claim for the lower back condition was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back, neck, and left knee disabilities due to a lack of VA examinations. The Veteran's assertions include that parachute jumps in service caused his current disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 3, 2017.

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

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder has been reopened and granted. The Board also denied the Veteran's claims for hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating and TDIU related to his cervical spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to November 1, 2021, and a rating in excess of 20 percent thereafter, for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome; service connection for shoulder disability; and service connection for foot disability (claimed as trench foot). The Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim from August 1, 2014 is granted. The increased rating claims for cervical spine and lumbar spine conditions are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder due to outstanding service personnel records and concerns about the competency of the VA examiner.