Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened, and the Board finds that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen his claims. The issues of service connection for depression, PTSD, a sleep disability, and a back disability are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's low back and neck disorders are granted service connection, but the right and left shoulder disorders remain pending as they require further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition and hypertension were previously denied, but new and material evidence has been received to reopen these claims.,Service connection is being remanded for the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (lumbar spine condition) and sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The cases of back disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, and bilateral hearing loss disability are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for an extension of convalescence period and a higher rating for his service-connected low back disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for low back disability and left sciatic nerve radiculopathy, as they are intertwined with each other.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left thigh limitation of flexion, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability due to potential worsening since previous examinations. The Veteran will need to undergo new VA examinations to determine current severity and etiology.

An initial 20% rating for low back disability was granted prior to November 1, 2019 and an initial 40% rating from that date onwards. A 10% rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy is denied prior to October 1, 2021.,A 10% rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy is denied prior to October 1, 2021. The issue of TDIU has been raised in conjunction with the rating claims now on appeal due to the Veteran's inability to work as a result of her service-connected disabilities.,The claim for increased ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy prior to October 1, 2021 is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for a low back condition and a left knee condition due to outstanding ACDUTRA records not being associated with the Veteran's claims file. The Veteran must be afforded VA examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted a 20% rating beginning December 19, 2011 and denied any higher ratings. The neck disability is granted a 10% rating from August 18, 2017 onwards. The right shoulder disability remains at a 20% rating.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left upper and middle radicular group is granted a 30% rating beginning March 29, 2019.

The Veteran's right ankle collateral ligament sprain is granted as service-connected, with the disability being related to an in-service injury during ACDUTRA.,Right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy is granted as secondary to a service-connected cervical spine disability. The Board found that the Veteran's current condition was aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and left foot peripheral neuropathy are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and SSA records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for lumbar spine DDD is granted, with an effective date of January 29, 2008. The issue of entitlement to TDIU from January 29, 2008 to February 17, 2010 is moot.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to a lack of recent VA treatment records and the need for further examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and knee conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted service connection for a rash of the groin area, diagnosed as inverse psoriasis. The issue of an initial compensable rating for a back disability prior to April 16, 2020, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter remains pending. Other issues remain remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity neuropathy (secondary to lumbar spine disability), diverticulosis, and sleep apnea. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lower back disability. The matter is being returned for further evaluation.