Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for increased rating and earlier effective date for T6 compression fracture with thoracic/lumbar scoliosis is granted. The claim for service connection of migraine headaches, secondary to PTSD and/or T6 compression fracture, as well as aggravation of his migraines by the back condition, is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The lumbar spine and knee disabilities received the lowest possible rating, while lichen planus was rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for her service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and for entitlement to TDIU due to her service-connected disability. The case is being returned for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and completing VA forms.

The Veteran's lumbar strain disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's GERD is granted an initial rating of 30 percent.,The Veteran's DJD of the lumbar spine is granted a rating of 20 percent, effective November 30, 2020.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability is denied any increase in rating beyond 10 percent.,The Veteran's hypothyroidism is denied any increase in rating.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right sciatic radiculopathy, left knee degenerative arthritis, and major depressive disorder are not rated higher than the current assigned ratings.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral spine and sleep apnea, as well as his claim for TDIU. The Board found that there was not sufficient evidence to establish a link between the claimed conditions and service or any other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's back condition is found to be related to his in-service injury, and service connection for a back disability is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for additional opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for a lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability to include as secondary to service-connected left ankle disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for her lumbar spine disability and service connection for a right knee disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's low back disability and upper back disability are granted, while the claim for a deviated septum is denied. The Veteran has been awarded an initial 10 percent rating for pansinusitis from January 10, 2017 to August 1, 2021, with an effective date of August 2, 2021.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative disease of the lumbar spine was denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis, which would allow for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back disability, respiratory condition, hypertension, and prostate disability due to outstanding VA medical records not being obtained.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine disability as secondary to his service-connected bilateral ankles. The remaining issues of increased rating for psychiatric disability, service connection for sleep apnea, and service connection for left hip condition, right hip condition, left knee, and right knee are remanded.

The Veteran's left knee disability is service-connected as secondary to his right knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 23, 2015.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.