Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a back disability and sciatic nerve condition due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives. Further examination is required.

The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease and lumbar spine status post laminectomy, was incurred during active duty and has continued since then. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease (IVDS) and facet joint arthritis is rated at 40 percent, but the Board has found additional evidence necessary to determine if a higher rating is warranted. The Veteran also has left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve which is currently rated at 20 percent; the Board has determined that a remand is needed for an addendum opinion regarding its severity.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for back and left knee disabilities due to new evidence suggesting a worsening of symptoms since previous examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate etiological opinions in a previous VA examination. The Veteran's neck disability and cervical radiculopathy need to be evaluated again.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine osteoarthritis and a bowel disorder claimed as IBS due to lack of continuity of symptoms since service, and the failure to show onset during or related to service. The Board also denied service connection for an IBS disorder because there is no current diagnosis of IBS.

The Board has remanded the claim for a back condition, including arthritis of the lumbar spine, due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating more than 10 percent for degenerative lumbar spine disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected lumbar spine strain with degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, and IVDS was denied as the current disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding that his current condition did not manifest within one year of separation from active duty and there was no credible evidence of chronicity or continuity of symptoms post-separation. The Board also found the VA examiner's opinion to be most probative in determining that the Veteran's current degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is less likely related to his service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted as service connected, and the appeal for TDIU is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for malignant skin neoplasms (claimed as basal cell carcinoma) is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding its relationship to his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding its relationship to his GERD.

For the period prior to May 6, 2022, an initial evaluation of 40 percent for lumbar DDD was granted.,The appeal regarding right wrist and right ankle disabilities is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his back disability was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher than 40 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his left ankle, lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee conditions have been denied. The highest schedular ratings available under the applicable rating criteria are already in place.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted for the period from February 12, 2012 to October 10, 2022. The appeal regarding service connection for a right knee disability and evaluations of radiculopathy of both lower extremities are remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection and effective dates due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's upper back, lumbar spine, right knee, left knee, left foot, and bilateral hand disabilities are all under review.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back disability, right hip disability, and left hip disability due to insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran's bilateral knee arthritis is alleged to have aggravated his current hip disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 40 percent rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is granted, while the claim for a higher rating remains denied.