Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded both issues: the propriety of reducing the rating from 30 percent to 20 percent for DDD of the cervical spine, effective January 30, 2017, and the entitlement to an increased rating for service-connected DDD of the cervical spine. Both issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that his symptoms began during service and resolving all doubt in his favor.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for sarcoidosis, skin rashes / lesions (most recently claimed as skin condition), asthma, and degenerative disc disease of the lower back. These issues are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for right knee and low back disabilities, finding that the current conditions are not related to events in service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of the Veteran's knee disorders, low back disorder, muscle spasms, neurotoxic exposure, and sleep disorder due to incomplete examination reports and procedural issues.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated as 10 percent prior to April 7, 2021 and 20 percent thereafter. The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was rated as 10 percent. The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for this condition.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU from January 22, 2013 to August 2, 2018.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current diagnosis and active duty service.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain and right knee arthritis have been granted a 20 percent disability rating from August 29, 2014 to November 13, 2019. The psychiatric disorder has been granted a 30 percent disability rating for the period from August 29, 2014 to December 15, 2014. The Veteran's testicular cancer residuals have not met the criteria for a higher rating. The scars of the abdomen and inner left thigh have been granted a 20 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for ingrown toenail of the bilateral great toe and denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for a right foot disability and left ankle disability due to incomplete development. The claim for low back disability remains denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that caused current degenerative arthritis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of initial compensable evaluation for nephrolithiasis, right knee strain, and service connection for lower back disability, left knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, and lower gastrointestinal problems. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to obtain any outstanding records and to schedule VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating greater than 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine with spondylosis was denied. The claim for TDIU prior to November 10, 2020, was also denied as the Veteran now has a combined schedular evaluation of 100% due to Meniere's Disease.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and left knee disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment since June 26, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity have all been denied.,The Board found no current disability in any of these conditions.

The Board denied the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for left lower extremity and low back conditions, finding no new and material evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, back disability, and migraine headaches. The conditions are found to be at least as likely as not incurred in or caused by the Veteran's active-duty service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for his left leg disorder, right leg disorder, left hand disorder, right hand disorder, migraines, and frequent urination. The Board also ordered a new VA examination for the Veteran's back disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals seeking service connection for a low back disability and a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for clarification regarding whether the Veteran's scoliosis is congenital or developmental, and if developmental, whether it pre-existed service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine DDD and prostatitis have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran had a current diagnosis of these conditions, which were related to his in-service diagnoses.