Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the inadequacy of previous examinations. The case is also inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA medical examination and updated treatment records.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent since June 28, 2019. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating and grants this claim.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating as well as separate ratings for other radiculopathy conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU application is granted, and the Board has remanded for further examination regarding his lumbar spine degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his left shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, and lumbar degenerative disc disease.,The VA examiner is requested to provide clarification on the severity of the muscle group injuries in the Veteran's left shoulder as well as assess the impact of his newly service-connected cervical spine disability on his lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including evaluations for various disabilities and service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, prior to July 21, 2009, is dismissed due to her death.

The Veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain with slight DDD was rated at 40% prior to September 17, 2013, and in excess of 40% thereafter. The rating is denied as the evidence did not show findings consistent with any criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is rated at zero percent, as the average puretone threshold in both ears is within Level I.,The Veteran’s DDD of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 40 percent. The examiner found forward flexion limited to 15 degrees and no ankylosis.,The Veteran's RLE radiculopathy involving sciatic nerve is currently rated at 20 percent, based on moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity or relationship to active service.

The Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia is found to be the cause or aggravation of his bilateral lower extremity sensory neuropathy, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for an additional VA examination to determine if the Veteran's degenerative disc disease is related to his service, including any in-service assault and his MOS as a car operator. The claim will be reopened but not necessarily granted.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability, residuals of TBI, right eye disability, and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD). The claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability was also denied.

The Veteran's 30 percent rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease with esophagitis and hiatal hernia is restored. The Board found that the reduction was not proper as there was no evidence of an actual improvement in the Veteran’s ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including scoliosis and degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, as well as radiculopathy in both lower extremities, have resulted in a combined disability rating of 60 percent. The case is remanded for further consideration.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine condition, left shoulder condition, back condition, and bilateral hip condition. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims that these conditions were related to his active military service.,There was no medical opinion linking any of the claimed conditions to the Veteran’s time in service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a left wrist disability and back disability as secondary to both knees due to inadequate opinions in previous examinations.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for a rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for low back disability and left knee disability as they are all related to the Veteran's death.