Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of lumbosacral strain and service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to inadequate examinations. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to assess the severity of his lumbar spine disability, including any additional functional loss during flare-ups, and to determine if his radiculopathy is related to his lumbosacral strain or another service-connected condition.

The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was added to the claims file and requires a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) before deciding the remaining issues on appeal.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability and other musculoskeletal conditions.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for the left knee disability with painful limitation of flexion is denied. The current symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain with degenerative disc disease was improperly reduced from 20% to 10%, and the 20% rating is restored. The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left hip disorders, and bilateral hearing loss were remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar spine disability and left leg radiculopathy, as well as the TDIU claim, due to inadequate examination reports regarding causation and aggravation of these conditions by service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's claims are now pending with the RO for further review.

The Board has found that the RO did not substantially comply with a previous remand directive and has therefore remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for a lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU being granted.

The Veteran's lumbar strain disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, but the Board has remanded the issue due to insufficient evidence regarding incapacitating episodes of IVDS.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective September 28, 2022. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and functional impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete private treatment records from Dr. Nolasco, and requests that VA attempt to obtain these records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and an increased rating of 40 percent for lumbar back disability, effective from July 12, 2016. The claim for increased initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, bilateral hip, rhinitis, and left wrist disabilities prevent her from retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, neck disability, right knee disability, and psychiatric disability due to their proximate relationship to the Veteran's service-connected left above the knee amputation. The Veteran is also granted a 20 percent rating for her scar associated with her left above the knee amputation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for stomach issues, PTSD, and a back disability is being remanded due to lack of current diagnoses. The claims will be further evaluated with additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted. The cases for bilateral hearing loss, lung condition, and eczema are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to a lack of proper notification for an examination, as well as the need to address the Veteran's claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to concerns about the adequacy of previous VA examinations and the need for additional evidence regarding the Veteran's service-connected low back strain.

The Board has dismissed all pending appeals related to service connection for various conditions, including erectile dysfunction, hip conditions, back and neck disabilities, vision issues, coughing, numbness in arms and legs, migraines, and PTSD. The Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeals prior to the decision being made.