Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted a 20% rating effective October 14, 2020. The claim for increased ratings prior to this date remains denied.

The Veteran is granted a rating of 20 percent for levoconvex scoliosis of the lumbar spine with secondary low back strain prior to October 15, 2020. The decision resolves doubt in favor of the Veteran based on evidence showing limited forward flexion and muscle spasms.

Service connection for tinnitus, MDD, GAD, and unspecified insomnia disorder as secondary to tinnitus is granted.,Service connection for a cervical spine condition and low back condition is granted.,Service connection for migraine headaches (secondary to tinnitus) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete records and need for additional opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, back condition, and tinnitus have been granted.,The Board found that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for initial ratings on GERD and a right shoulder disability, as well as the denials of service connection for alopecia, bronchitis, left elbow disability, right elbow disability, lentigo, sinusitis, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) have been dismissed due to his withdrawal during a hearing before the undersigned. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine arthritis and stenosis, left hip arthritis, bilateral knee arthritis, arthritis and radiculopathy of the bilateral feet, and arthritis and neuropathy of the bilateral hands.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a recurrent bladder disability, rating of lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and effective date for left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy due to incomplete information in the VA evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the VA examination report and the need for additional evidence, including imaging of the Veteran's back.

The Veteran's back disability is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's numbness of hands and fingers is denied as not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded several claims related to the Veteran's lumbar spine strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, and coronary artery disease. The VA is instructed to obtain any outstanding records that could help in resolving these claims.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a cervical spine disability and left upper extremity disability have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims during his November 2021 Board hearing.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for testicular cancer, low back disability, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 has been remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's degenerative changes of the lower lumbar spine and pubic symphysis are granted service connection as they were shown in service. The left shoulder disability is denied as there is no evidence it began during active service or is related to an in-service injury.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a head injury, including memory loss and headaches. The claims for lumbar spine disability, chest pain, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and insomnia disorder, is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied due to lack of current evidence meeting VA compensation criteria.,Service connection for bronchitis/reactive airway disease is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a low back disability is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a left knee disability is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a right knee disability is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a left foot disability is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a right foot disability is remanded for further review.

Service connection is granted for right and left knee patellofemoral instability.,Service connection is also granted for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease (DJD).

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for various spinal and nerve conditions has been granted, with specific ratings assigned. The claims are subject to the laws and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.,A new rating decision grants a 20 percent initial rating for chronic lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease and disc bulges, osteoarthropathy and lumbar osteoarthritis from April 4, 2015 to November 21, 2023. The Veteran's condition is characterized by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain with mild degenerative changes of the spine, but dismissed the claim for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis due to a full grant of benefits.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain is denied. Separate ratings for radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities are granted.