Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for various conditions and initial disability ratings, as the Veteran withdrew his appeal in its entirety prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 10 percent prior to December 14, 2013 and at 20 percent thereafter. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.,The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine was rated at 20 percent from July 29, 2011. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Board has granted service connection for right deltoid tendinitis, left shoulder impingement syndrome and labral tear, patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, and arthritis of the lumbar spine. The remaining issues are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for chronic sinusitis, lower back disorder, and right lower leg/knee disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for additional special monthly compensation (SMC).

Your service connection claim for a lumbar spine disability has been granted, effective September 28, 2011. The appeal is dismissed as the issue has been fully resolved.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability may be related to service, but there is not enough objective medical evidence to establish a direct link. The case is being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including low back pain, depression, anxiety disorder, and tinnitus, have prevented her from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment since March 23, 2019.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hysterectomy and cervical spine degenerative disc disease, as well as her claim for service connection for breast reduction surgery. The Board found that the breast reduction surgery was not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The cases of a back disability, headache disability (migraines), and respiratory condition are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded. The left shoulder disability claim is reopened, but the lumbar spine sprain with degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, left lower extremity radiculopathy (claimed as left hip disability), right knee instability, left knee flexion limitation, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, and migraine headaches claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has dismissed all the issues related to increased disability ratings for various spinal and arm conditions as well as a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his right knee disability and TDIU prior to September 18, 2013 were granted. The Board also remanded other issues including service connection for left knee disability.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and hemorrhoids are being remanded for further evaluation. The bilateral hip condition is also being remanded, with a need for a VA examination to determine if it is related to the service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has granted service connection for neck, back, bilateral knee, bilateral ankle, and bilateral hip disabilities on a direct basis. The claim for sleep disorder, including sleep apnea, is remanded for further development.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU rating for the period from July 1, 2016 to August 31, 2018. For the periods prior to and after this date, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, right foot, and left foot disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions in the previous decisions.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathies due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service personnel records and a need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's low back disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative joint disease with right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted service connection. The Board has remanded the issues of secondary service connection for a right shoulder disability and right hip disability.