Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for extraschedular ratings for his lumbar spine and left knee disabilities, finding that the available schedular ratings adequately described his disability levels.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the Veteran's current condition and his military service.,The Board has remanded the remaining issues of service connection for bilateral hip disorder, right foot disorder, left foot disorder, low back disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD).

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability and found that new and material evidence has not been presented. The claims for PTSD, TBI, back disability, left knee disability, chronic pain syndrome, increased rating for right shoulder arthritis with impingement, and TDIU are all remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability and lower extremity radiculopathy did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to January 20, 2016.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 10 percent prior to March 31, 2010 and at 20 percent thereafter. The ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy were also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is granted, and he is also awarded TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate. His claims for loss of teeth, renal failure, hypertension, anemia, and PTSD are dismissed.

The Veteran's back disorder is granted service connection. The left foot, hip, and knee disorders are remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable ratings for her hip disabilities should be remanded due to new evidence submitted, worsening of symptoms since previous examinations, and concerns about the December 2017 VA examination. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracic spine condition, lumbar spine condition, and cervical strain due to a lack of consideration of his lay statements and an examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for right knee, left knee, and back disabilities due to inadequate consideration of the Veteran's lay statements in the VA medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, including lumbar degenerative arthritis, lumbar disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and lumbar radiculopathy, finding that there was no evidence of such disorders during service or related to service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability is rated at 40 percent since March 19, 2021. The appeal for a higher rating prior to that date and for the right and left lower extremity radiculopathy issues remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and missing VA treatment records. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's lower back condition and its relation to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The claims for a compensable disability rating for hypertension and reopening of the lumbar spine disability claim have been remanded.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that this rating remains appropriate given the lack of evidence demonstrating forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire spine, or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).

The Veteran's cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine conditions are found to be related to his active service.,The Veteran's right leg radiculopathy is also found to be related to his active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for a VA examination. The Veteran's back disability is being reviewed, but more information is needed from his service records and private medical providers.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service treatment records and an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's back disability is being reviewed again for possible service connection.

The Veteran's lumbar strain rating is being remanded due to allegations of worsening symptoms and the need for an updated VA examination.