Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, finding that the evidence did not support direct or secondary service connection. The Veteran's contentions of in-service injury and continuity of symptoms since service were found to be less credible than the medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current back disorder was caused by or related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for loss of sense of smell and right knee disability. The other issues are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing a retrospective opinion regarding the Veteran's L5-S1 degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not show moderate or more severe impairment.,The Veteran's low back strain disability has been remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, left hip disability, and right hip disability due to inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine surgery on April 11, 2012 required a temporary total disability rating based on convalescence for two months.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disability, including sleep apnea and related to PTSD, was denied.,Service connection was granted for the skin disability of tinea versicolor. The condition was presumed to have been aggravated by service.,The Veteran's hypertension was not found to be related to service or exposure to herbicide agents.,Bilateral hearing loss was not established as a service-connected disability.,No service connection was granted for bilateral shoulder disability, back disability, or neck disability.,Service connection was denied for the Veteran's back and neck disabilities.,The decision also referred the issue of service connection for cardiovascular disease secondary to PTSD to the Regional Office (RO) for further adjudication.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as the rating for right knee instability and limitation of motion. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, CAD, and thoracolumbar spine strain, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA and non-VA treatment records, arranging for orthopedic examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine and right wrist disabilities, and resolving discrepancies in previous examination findings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for lumbar spine condition, and service connection for bilateral shoulder condition due to new evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include adjustment disorder and major depressive disorder, is granted as secondary to his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine remains denied.

The Board denied service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disk disease and left ankle condition, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not manifest in active duty or within one year of separation from active duty and are not otherwise attributable to active duty service.,The decision also noted that there is no evidence linking the current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine, including degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), is rated at 40 percent effective June 13, 2014. The right lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy is granted a higher rating of 20 percent since December 14, 2016. The left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is also granted a higher rating of 20 percent effective December 14, 2016. Effective March 26, 2015, the Veteran's TDIU and basic eligibility for DEA benefits are granted.

The Board has determined that remand is necessary to obtain an adequate etiological opinion for the Veteran's heat stroke residuals and headaches, as well as a clarification of his lumbar spine disability rating. The claims are being returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a skin disorder due to exposure to jet fuel.

The Board has dismissed the claims for bilateral pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral tinnitus. The remaining issues of service connection for PTSD as a result of MST, bilateral shoulder condition, back condition, neck condition, and jaw condition are remanded.

The Veteran's low back condition, including arthritis (DJD), was attributable to his military service due to a car accident during his service. The Board granted the claim for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board has remanded the claims for low back disorder, right-side rib cage injury, Hepatitis C, and periodontal disease due to incomplete service records and need for further examination.