Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine disability, finding that her current diagnosis of degenerative disc disease is related to an in-service injury and symptomatology since separation from active duty.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral ankle disability. However, these issues are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine strain with degenerative arthritis, left knee strain with old avulsion fracture fragment lateral aspect of the proximal tibia, and right thumb strain due to additional evidentiary development being required.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder due to new evidence received after an August 2006 denial. The issue will be addressed again.

The Veteran's petition to reopen entitlement to service connection for a low back disability is granted. The claims seeking entitlement to service connection for right and left knee disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions addressing whether the Veteran's current low back and bilateral hip disabilities are related to his active duty service, including in-service accidents and heavy lifting.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine was denied as there is no evidence showing ankylosis, functional equivalent of ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes in any 12-month period.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for sinus problems, a bilateral hand disability, and an eye disability is granted.,The petition to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for high cholesterol is denied. The petition to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a lumbar spine disability for various periods due to inadequate examination reports and the need for further development.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person was denied as he is not considered in need of such assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The case is being remanded for additional medical inquiry to determine the severity of the Veteran's low back disability from September 2009 to October 2021.

The Veteran's low back disorder is rated at 40% and denied for a higher rating prior to January 26, 2017 and in excess of 40% thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed bilateral CTS, cervical spine condition, and lumbar spine condition. The claims are related to service connection on a direct basis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and inadequate examination.

The Veteran's appeal was not timely filed following the issuance of a Statement of the Case on February 5, 2014. As such, his claims for increased rating and service connection were denied.

The Veteran's skin disability, depressive disorder, and lumbar spine condition are all granted. The Veteran is awarded a 50% rating for his depressive disorder since February 28, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's lumbar spine, bilateral knee, and left lower extremity sciatic nerve disabilities due to incomplete medical records and need for new examinations.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the appellant's death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right lower extremity radiculopathy and lumbar spine disability, as well as his TDIU prior to July 13, 2019, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding flare-ups of the spine.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability can be adjudicated. The case is REMANDED to obtain authorization and request post-service medical records from Moody Air Force Base Hospital, and to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.