Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder effective August 28, 1976. The decision also dismissed the claim to revise an April 2015 rating decision due to clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and acquired psychiatric disorder claims due to new evidence of worsening symptoms. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other two issues.

The Veteran's service connection for a back disability is granted. The rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to September 11, 2018 is denied and a 10% rating is granted from that date. The issue of TDIU prior to June 6, 2019 remains pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating for low back disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU due to lack of compliance with previous remand instructions.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, but has remanded the issue of service connection for hypertension due to incomplete information about the Veteran's Reserve service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is granted a 20 percent rating, but no higher, effective June 14, 2021. The right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted a 10 percent rating.

The Board has restored the Veteran's original 60 percent disability rating for his lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) effective May 2, 2017, after finding that the reduction was not in accordance with procedural requirements.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examination reports and a need for new VA examinations to determine the severity of the Veteran's neck and back disabilities prior to October 17, 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral knee disability and remanded the issues of service connection for lumbar spine disorder, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, urinary incontinence, and cervical spine disorder.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic back condition during or immediately after service and concluding that the current disability is not related to any in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his lumbar spine DDD is denied from September 30, 2010 to January 25, 2021. From January 26, 2021 onward, the rating remains at 20 percent. The claims for TDIU and ED are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to new theories of entitlement raised by the Veteran's representative and in a brief. The issues include service connection for left shoulder, thigh, and lumbar spine disorders.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination findings and a need for further medical information.

The Veteran's COPD and lumbar spine disability were not incurred in service, as there is no evidence of a current disability during or within one year after service. The Board finds the VA examiners' opinions to be highly probative.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity arthritis/tendonitis and headaches are remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his period of active duty.

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine condition, as the previous opinion was inadequate due to not considering the Veteran's lay statements.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted. The Veteran has a current degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, tinnitus, and depressive disorder that are related to his active service.,The Veteran is entitled to an increased evaluation for right knee osteoarthritis with patellofemoral syndrome, right knee lateral instability, and left knee osteoarthritis with patellofemoral syndrome.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and etiology of the claimed disabilities, particularly PTSD and respiratory issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for a lumbar spine disability, left and right lower extremity disabilities due to unsuccessful attempts to contact the Veteran at his new address. Updated VA treatment records are also needed.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's lumbar strain and bilateral lower radiculopathy of the femoral and sciatic nerves. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain (low back disability) and right foot degenerative arthritis (right foot disability).,Service connection is denied for a lineal mid-forehead scar and benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV).