Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's low back disability and its relationship to service.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 20 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating for his service-connected back disability. The TDIU claim was also denied as of December 6, 2018.

The Veteran's low back disability, characterized as degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with IVDS status post foraminotomy, is granted at a 40 percent rating from May 19, 2015. However, his claim for an increased rating beyond this level remains pending and will be remanded to determine if he is entitled to a higher disability evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine at L5-S1 is remanded due to inadequate examination findings and need for a new one.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration due to conflicting medical reports and a need for clarification regarding ankylosis of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU from September 25, 2005 to October 29, 2010 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received, granting the reopening of claims for service connection for right ankle disorder, lumbar spine disorder, thoracic spine disorder, right shoulder disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and right hip disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right thumb disability, and bilateral pes planus require additional examinations to determine their current severity. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for low back strain has been dismissed as she requested the withdrawal of her appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left shoulder disability and therefore denied service connection for this condition. The low back disability and associated radiculopathy are remanded for further examination to determine their severity.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his back disability and PTSD are remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for thoracic and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as left foot drop and left leg neurological disabilities, all of which are claimed to be related to a head injury sustained during service. The Veteran's claim is being reviewed due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's back and neck disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for a comprehensive examination that considers his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for tinnitus and a low back condition. The claim for tinnitus is granted, while the claim for a low back condition requires additional VA examination to determine its etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing addendum opinions regarding his hiatal hernia/GERD and nasal/sinus disorder.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is rated at 20% since June 21, 2007. Service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve has been granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, and shoulder disabilities due to inadequate previous examinations. The Veteran's statements about his symptoms during service are being considered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to new and material evidence having been received. The specific issues of entitlement to service connection have not yet been addressed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding private treatment records and the need for additional medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability was present in service and is related to service, granting his claim for service connection.