Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional development. The issues of service connection for a lumbosacral strain and bilateral foot disorder are being reviewed with further medical examination and information.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of various conditions, including a prostate disorder, has been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The left little finger disorder claim was granted to reopen but remains pending on the merits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for colon polyps is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his current condition is related to his military service.,For the period prior to August 16, 2019, the Veteran's claim of increased rating for degenerative disc disease with chronic lumbosacral strain is also denied. From August 16, 2019 onwards, a 20 percent rating is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine due to insufficient rationale in a prior VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further examination.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disability but denied it. The Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for his right hallux rigidus was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability, PTSD, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and right lower extremity radiculopathy are all denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for various disabilities associated with Reiter's syndrome and awarded an effective date of April 3, 1997.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment since March 1, 2010.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted as service connected.,TDIU and DEA benefits are restored due to improper discontinuance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating determinations due to incomplete or insufficient evidence, including a need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the Veteran's headaches, which were not diagnosed and are related to service. The examiner is asked to provide a new opinion on whether the Veteran's headaches are caused or aggravated by his service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and bilateral tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracic and lumbar spine scoliosis (low back disability) and joint pain due to additional development being required.

The Board has found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder may be related to his service-connected right lower extremity disorders, but needs a new VA examination and opinion to determine if this is true.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates due to outstanding treatment records, including those from Dr. Miller.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted a 40 percent rating, effective October 18, 2019. Other claims for increased ratings are denied.

The Veteran's migraine headaches were granted a higher initial rating of 50 percent from June 23, 2011 to December 26, 2013. The lumbar spine disability was remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar back disability, finding that the evidence did not establish a nexus to service and that no new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the service connection for back and knee disabilities, as well as their relationship to a previously service-connected sesamoid fracture of the left foot.