Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability and psychiatric disorder, finding that the evidence did not support an in-service onset or relationship to service.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for the right great toe scar and a 10 percent rating based on multiple, noncompensable service-connected disabilities under 38 C.F.R. � 3.324 were dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for higher staged initial ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine status post lumbar discectomy and entitlement to a TDIU were remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to insufficient examination opinions. The Veteran's hypertension claim is denied as his blood pressure does not meet criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is granted a 20 percent rating, effective December 15, 2021.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability did not meet criteria for an increased rating higher than 40 percent, while his right and left lower extremity radiculopathy conditions were rated appropriately.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for total left knee replacement, effective from December 9, 2019 to February 29, 2020. The claims of service connection for left shoulder disability and right shoulder disability have been reopened, but the claim for low back compression fracture at T11, T12, and L1 is granted as secondary to service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives. The Veteran is seeking service connection based on in-service physical activities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's disability rating for lumbosacral scar, status post prostatectomy scar, and status post angioplasty scar was properly reduced from 20% to a noncompensable rating effective November 1, 2018. The evidence did not show actual sustained improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tuberculosis, low back disability, and right ankle disability due to lack of evidence showing onset or relationship to service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of bilateral hearing loss and back disability for further examination and development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to inadequate opinions in the February 2017 VA examination reports. The claims will be reviewed again with new examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's right leg disability is denied as there is no evidence of a current condition related to service.,The Veteran's left hip and right hip disabilities are denied due to lack of in-service onset or relationship to service.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is currently rated at 30 percent from August 9, 2017, and 50 percent from November 1, 2018. The rating for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and cervicothoracic scoliosis is denied.,The Veteran's traumatic brain injury remains at a 10 percent rating. Headaches syndrome does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to October 29, 2018. The limitation of extension of the right hip is rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including left ear hearing loss, right fifth (little) finger disability, poor vision, low back and right knee disabilities, sleep apnea, allergies, heart rhythm, and hypertension. The Veteran is required to undergo further examinations for these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, upper back, and neck disorders due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities or in-service events.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, a neurological disorder of the left upper extremity, and a thoracolumbar spine disorder.,The Veteran's testimony and medical opinion supported by Dr. Ramirez indicate that his current conditions are related to an in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disability, right shoulder rotator cuff tear with degenerative joint disease, left shoulder rotator cuff tear with degenerative joint disease, sciatica of the left lower extremity, and sciatica of the right lower extremity. The conditions are considered to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have started during service and has continued since then. Service connection for this condition is granted.,VA examination did not find hearing loss in either ear at the time of the January 2017 VA examination, but the Veteran reported worsening symptoms since that time. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded for a new VA examination to determine if current hearing loss disability exists and its etiology.,The Veteran's lumbar spine condition, bilateral knee conditions (left and right), left hand condition, and left shoulder condition are all remanded as the January 2017 VA examiner did not provide opinions regarding their direct relationship to service. A new VA examination is required for these claims.,The Veteran's left ankle condition and right ankle condition are both remanded as a new VA examination is needed to determine if current bilateral ankle conditions exist and their etiology.,The Veteran's balance impairment is also remanded as no opinion has been provided regarding its relationship to service. A new VA examination is required for this claim.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's in-service injury and current disability.