Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board has restored the Veteran's lumbar spine disability rating from 20% to 20%, effective September 19, 2016.

An initial 40 percent rating is granted for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and sacroiliac joint dysfunction, effective November 22, 2004.,A separate 40 percent rating is granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, effective May 21, 2013. The claim for a higher initial rating for this condition is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 30 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and insufficient examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various orthopedic conditions, including lumbar spine degenerative disease, bilateral hips, knees, legs, and feet, as well as hypertension, jaw condition, and headaches.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as all issues have been withdrawn by the appellant.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of plantar warts (claimed as HPV).,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of OSA.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of asthma.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of a back disorder.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of restless leg syndrome of the right leg.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of restless leg syndrome of the left leg.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of bilateral hearing loss.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left index finger limitation of range of motion with lacerated digital nerve is remanded.,An initial compensable rating for scar of the left index finger pad is remanded.,An initial compensable rating for allergic conjunctivitis is remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is not currently rated higher than 10 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating. Separate ratings for knee instability are also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus and a low back disorder has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate these claims at this time.

Service connection for back disability is granted.,Service connection for neck disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability are denied. Service connection for neuropathy affecting the right lower extremity and left lower extremity is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is reopened, but the Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tremors (claimed as suspected Parkinson's disease) is denied because there is no evidence of a current disability, and the condition did not manifest within one year of service discharge. The Board found that the Veteran was diagnosed with essential tremor in 2012, which is not related to his active duty.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability is denied because there is no evidence of a chronic low back disability during or immediately after service, and the condition did not manifest within one year of service discharge. The Board found that the current diagnosis of degenerative disc disease is more likely related to his occupation as a mail handler.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition began in and has continued since active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, left leg radiculopathy, and unspecified trauma and stress related disorder due to outstanding VA and non-VA treatment records being needed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and the Veteran's service records show back pain complaints during active duty. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a back condition.

The Board denied service connection for all claimed hip, foot, and low back disorders as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated in service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were generally granted, with some issues being denied or remanded. The Veteran received a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain prior to July 28, 2022, and an increase in the rating of his left ankle disorder from noncompensable to 10 percent.

The Veteran's IVDS lumbar strain and left lower sciatic nerve paralysis were granted increased ratings, with the effective date set at July 17, 2019.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional medical opinions to determine the extent of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability during the period from November 2011 to November 2021, and for consideration of entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric condition was granted in full. The lower back disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy claims were partially resolved, with some issues being granted higher ratings while others remained denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that there is not sufficient evidence to establish a link between his current condition and events during active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's back disability and its relation to her service. The Veteran must be provided with another VA examination to obtain an adequate opinion.