Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

A rating of 30 percent for the entire appeal period prior to May 5, 2021 for cervical degenerative disc disease (DDD) with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and stenosis is granted.,A separate rating for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity (LUE) prior to September 21, 2021 is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral foot arthritis has been reopened and granted. Service connection is also granted for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease.,Initial ratings of 20 percent are assigned for right ankle disability (including instability) and left ankle disability (including instability). Separate ratings of at least 10 percent are assigned for right knee status post meniscectomy and right knee instability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations. The claims include bilateral pes planus, lumbosacral arthritis with strain, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, hearing loss, tinnitus, head injury residuals, skin disability, CAD, shortness of breath, and ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to issues with the appellant's discharge and the need for additional medical opinions regarding his left foot disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity associated with his lumbar spine disability is also rated at 20 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for low back and left knee conditions due to the need for further examination. The Veteran will be provided forms to obtain private medical records, and he will undergo examinations to determine if his current symptoms are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to deficiencies in previous examinations and consideration of flare-ups.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent from July 1, 2019. Service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to the service-connected back disability is granted as of December 29, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability and denied service connection for a back disability. The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder, is remanded.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including a back disability and its secondary effects on other conditions, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the failure to report for a VA examination. The issues include cervical spine disability, which is currently rated as 10%, 20%, and 30% prior to September 25, 2016, from September 25, 2016, to June 24, 2020, and thereafter. The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period before August 11, 2020, is also being remanded due to unclear employment history.

The Veteran's bilateral tinnitus and lumbar spondylosis are granted service connection. The Veteran's bilateral hand condition and headaches are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a back disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to his back disorder are both granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to insufficient evidence of a connection to service. The claim for scoliosis was reopened, but the Board finds that remand is needed as an addendum opinion on the etiology of thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease is required.

The Board has remanded the claims for a low back disorder, left knee disorder, left shoulder disorder, and bilateral foot disorder due to lack of medical evidence addressing these conditions during service. The Veteran's claim for PTSD is denied as there was no effective date prior to May 18, 2010.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right forearm, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and lumbar radiculopathy. The evidence does not establish an in-service injury or aggravation, nor do current disabilities exist related to these conditions.,There is no clear and unmistakable evidence that any increase in severity was due to natural progression during service for the gunshot wound of the right forearm.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims can be adjudicated due to inadequate VA examinations and missing medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development.,No rating has been assigned as the appeal is not about a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU, finding that his service-connected lumbar spine disability did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum VA medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to his service or secondary to his service-connected disabilities.