Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy are currently rated at the maximum available rating of 20 percent. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to June 25, 2014, did not render him unemployable due to the combined rating of 50% which does not meet the schedular requirement for a TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for a right wrist disorder and a lumbar spine disorder. The Veteran's asthma is also granted on the basis of presumptive exposure to burn pits under the PACT Act.,Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence showing chronicity in service or within one year after separation. The examiner opined that the current condition is more likely related to age than an in-service injury.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lower back disability and COPD, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The reduction in the rating assigned for hypothyroidism, degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder with rotator cuff tear, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine were granted. TDIU based on service-connected disabilities other than hypothyroidism was granted effective from February 23, 2015 to September 19, 2019, and special monthly compensation based on housebound status was granted effective February 23, 2015.

All service connection claims for various conditions are dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's right leg disorder and knee instability are currently rated at the minimum levels, with no higher ratings available under current VA regulations.,Her lumbar spine condition is also rated at its minimum level.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The issues of entitlement for the right hip condition, lumbar strain, and erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, finding that it had its onset on active duty and is related to his in-service injuries.

The Board has found the February 2023 VA opinion inadequate and remanded for a new addendum opinion to determine if the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should be afforded a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and lumbar spine disorder. The claims for service connection are being remanded due to additional relevant VA treatment records and VA examination reports being associated with the claims file after the issuance of the August 2017 Statement of the Case.

The appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is dismissed. The claim of service connection for a bilateral foot disability, to include plantar fasciitis and pes planus, has been reopened based on new evidence. A 20% disability rating for spondylosis, residuals of lumbar strain with arthritis, effective from December 9, 2013, is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to inadequate VA examinations, and no rating assigned or effective date provided.

The Veteran's disability rating for lumbar spine limitation of motion was restored to 40 percent effective February 11, 2008. The appeal is granted as the reduction in rating was improper.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits have been dismissed as he withdrew his claims for abdominal injury, tuberculosis, spots on the lungs, and kidney disorder. The remaining issues of cervical spine DDD, right shoulder neuritis, pelvis fracture residuals, right leg disorder, left leg disorder, right hip disorder, and left hip disorder were denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and sciatica of the right lower extremity have been reopened, but both conditions are denied as there is no evidence to support a link between these disabilities and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, hypertension, and heart disability.

The Board has denied service connection for onychomycosis of the toenails due to lack of evidence showing a relationship between the condition and active service. The right ankle, right knee, and low back disability issues are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder. The claim will be reviewed with consideration of all relevant evidence and a new VA medical opinion is needed.