Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his degenerative disc disease and related conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board found that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left ankle degenerative joint disease, right hip replacement, lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), painful surgical scar due to hip replacement, lumbar radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and tinnitus, have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has dismissed all the veteran's appeals for various disabilities, including cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis with heel spurs and metatarsalgia, posterior thigh muscle (left thigh disability), hypertension, inguinal hernia, kidney stones, and generalized anxiety disorder. The appeals were withdrawn by the veteran's representative on September 21, 2020.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for bilateral foot residuals from a cold weather injury, neck and back disability (ankylosing spondylitis), and left knee disability as secondary to service-connected neck and back disabilities. The decision is based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his right wrist and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to July 16, 2019.,His service-connected right wrist disability has been rated at 10 percent since June 1, 2013. The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding whether he should be granted a higher rating.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for the Veteran's back condition prior to June 30, 2017, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter. The evidence did not show incapacitating episodes or unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back disability, right knee disability, and asthma due to inadequate or incomplete VA examinations. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with right lower extremity radiculopathy due to incomplete development and lack of a medical opinion.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder, knee, and hip disabilities are not service-connected as they are less likely than not related to his active duty.,His low back disability is also denied as it did not manifest during service or within one year of separation.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder is granted an initial rating of 40 percent since October 7, 1997. The right knee meniscus disorder is also granted an initial rating of 20 percent since October 7, 1997. However, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating for limitation of right knee extension.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease, right knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and soft tissue sarcoma due to the need for further development of the record.

The Veteran's back disability and bilateral sciatic nerve radiculopathies are rated at a 40 percent rating since August 29, 2007. The right femoral nerve radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent from July 13, 2015 to July 8, 2019 and at 20 percent thereafter. The left femoral nerve radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent since July 8, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for tinea pedis with tinea cruris, as it did not cover more than 40% of his body or exposed areas. For other conditions, the preponderance of the evidence was against finding a direct relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for cervical spine disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, left hip osteoarthritis with trochanteric pain syndrome (including bursitis), right knee osteoarthritis, left knee disorder including strain, meniscal tear, and osteoarthritis, and right and left lower extremity disorders manifested by leg pain due to incomplete medical opinions and the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an inadequate examination report, specifically regarding PROM and ROM testing on weight and non-weight bearing.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination regarding his cervical spine disability. The issues include determining if he should receive an increased rating for his low back condition and whether his cervical spine disability is service-connected as secondary to his low back disability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for CAD is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The claims for increased ratings of diabetes mellitus, left upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, Grave's disease, and lumbar spine disability are all granted.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claims for service connection for a back disability and an asthma/respiratory disability have been granted. The claim for service connection for PTSD has also been granted.,The VA is remanding the issues of service connection for a respiratory disorder and a back disability due to insufficient evidence.