Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to lack of recent VA examinations and outstanding records.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with lumbar spinal stenosis is now rated at a 60 percent disability rating, effective from November 23, 2021.,Prior to April 14, 2011, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis with degenerative joint disease of lumbosacral spine as secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus has been granted. The Board also remanded the issues regarding increased ratings for left and right ankle tendonitis.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examination and failure to consider additional functional loss during flare-ups or with repeated use. The Veteran's low back disability may have ankylosis, which requires further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine have been granted. However, her claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome and lumbar disc degeneration due to inadequate VA opinions. The Veteran must be provided with new VA opinions that consider his lay reports of continuous symptoms since service.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for bilateral varicose veins and has remanded the issue of service connection for lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to May 28, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety and lumbosacral strain, but has remanded the issue of service connection for migraine headaches due to lack of a nexus opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and the Veteran's refusal to schedule a VA examination. The Veteran is advised he should cooperate in the efforts to adjudicate his claim, including attending a scheduled examination.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are each rated at 20 percent, but the Board found they do not warrant higher ratings based on the criteria provided.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including back, knee, ankle, shoulder, and hand conditions. The reasons include a lack of examination addressing the impact of cold weather conditions during service.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability from May 5, 2012 and effective date of Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits from the same date. The decision also grants an earlier effective date for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to failure to schedule VA examinations, and requests additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and TBI claims require additional development due to worsening symptoms since the last examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, but has remanded his claims for hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction due to potential exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection is granted for obstructive sleep apnea, lumbar spine disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and headaches.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a back disability, hypertension, right foot disability, and left foot disability due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The Veteran's testimony regarding his in-service injuries and ongoing symptoms is considered.

The Board has granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability (DDD) and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left hip disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and determinations regarding his bilateral hearing loss, back disability, left ankle disability, and TDIU.