Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for residuals of left ovarian cysts, breast condition, and back disability due to inadequate medical opinions. Further development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.,The Veteran's left foot disability is being remanded as there was insufficient consideration of his reported in-service injury and pain.,The Veteran's left ankle disability is being remanded due to inadequate consideration of his reported in-service injury and pain, as well as the lack of a thorough discussion of aggravation by service-connected tinnitus.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is being remanded because the examiner did not address whether the current condition was aggravated by an in-service injury or if there was any connection to the Veteran’s symptomatology since service.,The Veteran's dermatological condition (actinic keratosis) is being remanded as the VA examiner did not consider a letter from his treating dermatologist regarding the potential causation of the condition during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability of the mid or upper back, including as due to undiagnosed illness. The case is returned for further development and an addendum opinion from the VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to conflicting VA examination reports regarding his back disability. A medical opinion is needed to reconcile the findings and determine if he can perform sedentary work.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for coronary artery disease and low back condition due to insufficient consideration of relevant evidence in the initial decision.

The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to determine if the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, excluding his loss of use of both feet.

The Board has denied service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist and remanded the claim for a lumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination and notification of the Veteran regarding his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective October 19, 2010. The Board denied a higher rating for this condition.,Service connection has been granted for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy involving the femoral nerve as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims are being remanded due to the need for updated examinations and additional records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient development and consideration of the Veteran's statements regarding his in-service injuries. The issues are now pending for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition, but denied service connection for a cervical spine condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back condition due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development, including scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the failure of the AOJ to properly develop and adjudicate his PTSD claim. The Board also found that while he has service-connected disabilities, they do not meet the schedular requirements for TDIU under 38C.F.R. §4.16(a).

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20% since December 27, 2006 and 40% from March 14, 2013. The left wrist disability is rated at 20%, 40%, and 40% respectively for the same periods. A TDIU rating is granted effective December 27, 2006. SMC based on loss of use of the left hand is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain, compartment syndrome of the right and left lower extremities, and hypertension with headaches have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been denied as it is not causally or etiologically related to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been denied as it was not incurred in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of low back disability, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for patella tendonitis of the right knee and lumbosacral strain have been denied. The Veteran is currently receiving a 10% rating for patella tendonitis from May 12, 2012 to October 2, 2019, and a 30% rating thereafter. For lumbosacral strain, the Veteran is in receipt of a 20% initial disability rating since May 31, 2012.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a low back disorder, as it was not adequately addressed in previous VA examinations and there are outstanding records from the Veteran's first period of active duty. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether any of the diagnosed low back disorders were incurred or aggravated during periods of ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service connected as it was present during service and continues to this day.,Service connection for a back disability is granted, with the condition being related to in-service injuries. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the current back disability is related to service.