Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected back condition was granted, with a rating of 20 percent effective August 23, 2018, to January 9, 2023.

The Board has determined that there is not substantial compliance with the May 2020 directives and has remanded several issues, including those related to hip replacements, cervical strain, lumbosacral strain, and service connection for the cause of death. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private treatment records. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a sleep disorder, left knee disability, lower back disability, bilateral shin splints, and TDIU are being remanded.

The Board has withdrawn the issue of entitlement to service connection for athlete's foot, also claimed as foot fungus. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of lumbar spine disorder was granted, and he is now receiving a 60% rating effective from November 2, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is dismissed as moot due to the award of a combined 100 percent evaluation. The issue of an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and depressive disorder with a major depressive episode and anxious distress due to chronic pain disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease was rated at 100% from November 1, 2011 to February 1, 2012. From January 13, 2015 to November 5, 2015, and from March 1, 2016 to January 18, 2018, the Veteran's coronary artery disease was rated at 60%. The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disorder was rated at 30% prior to August 9, 2010. From August 9, 2010, the Veteran's GERD was rated at 40%. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20% prior to July 13, 2010 and at 40% thereafter. The Veteran's right humerus condition, residuals of a right shoulder dislocation with degenerative arthritis (DA), and bilateral knee conditions were all rated at 20%. SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status was denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, bilateral foot, and left knee conditions. However, these claims are still remanded as new VA examinations are needed to determine if these conditions are related to active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left knee condition, right knee condition, and lower back condition due to insufficient evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development to obtain updated VA and private treatment records and new VA examinations.

The Board has found that the Veteran's low back disability is not related to his active service. The case for bilateral plantar fasciitis requires additional examination and opinion regarding whether it is secondary to a service-connected condition or aggravated by another condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for psychiatric disability, asthma, and back degenerative disc disease due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for colitis, hypertension, type II diabetes, and a lumbar spine disorder have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology.,Service connection has also been denied for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, and erectile dysfunction secondary to type II diabetes, as well as left sciatic radicular pain and partial paralysis of the left sciatic nerve secondary to a lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine arthritis, right hip strain, and left hip strain as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities. Effective dates of November 17, 2016, March 16, 2017, and March 16, 2017 have been granted for sleep apnea, right knee arthritis, and right knee instability respectively.

The Veteran's current left knee strain, right knee degenerative joint disease, and lumbar spine degenerative joint disease are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's neck disability is denied as not incurred in or related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining service treatment records, addressing the propriety of a reduction in rating, scheduling VA examinations, and attempting to obtain medical records from non-VA providers.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee condition, head injury, left knee strain, and right ankle strain have been denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ankle strain has been remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for thoracolumbar strain has also been remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spine disability due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for lumbar strain prior to August 21, 2017 was denied as he did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on his range of motion and severity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional VA treatment records.