Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's lower back condition and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied increased ratings. The lower back condition was rated at 10% prior to September 18, 2019, and 20% from that date onwards.

The Board denied service connection for a back condition and granted a 30 percent rating, with no higher, for left acromioclavicular joint dislocation prior to October 2, 2015. A separate 20 percent rating was also granted for recurrent dislocation of the scapulohumeral joint associated with left acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her degenerative disc disease with degenerative joint disease, thoracolumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for additional examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and skin disorder have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The Board is seeking evidence that may support these claims, including by examining the Veteran's history of symptoms during service and post-service treatment.

The DIC benefits claim is denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for receiving such benefits. The cause of death claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and his death.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent for the entire appeal period, which includes prior to and from November 12, 2020. The rating criteria are more favorable to the Veteran as his symptoms align with forward flexion of 30 degrees or less.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left and right ankle disorders, finding that the symptoms are due to non-service-connected venous insufficiency. The claim for arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for lumbar degenerative disease, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The TDIU and nonservice-connected pension benefits claims are also being remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for memory loss and a lumbar spine disorder are denied. The Board found that the current conditions are not related to service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disorder.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was not aggravated by his active service.,The Board also denied service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability, concluding there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and current symptoms are not related to service.

The Veteran's lower back disability has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and he is granted a TDIU. The initial rating for the lower back disability remains at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease with lumbar strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to incomplete VA treatment records. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, finding that the evidence did not support a link between any of these conditions and active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for a skin condition/rash, to include as due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran served in Vietnam and reported intermittent rashes that he treated himself with cream used for 'jungle rot'.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on migraine headaches, IVDS of the lumbar spine, hemorrhoids, IBS, and anal fissures have been dismissed due to his withdrawal at a hearing. The TDIU appeal is in appellate status.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to missing translations of medical records and incomplete VA treatment records. The issues include service connection for a bilateral leg disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate, and thus remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration of all evidence, including new examinations. The issues on appeal will be reconsidered based on the newly developed evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The cases of bilateral hearing loss, back disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.