Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lower back disability, finding that it clearly and unmistakably existed prior to active duty service and was not aggravated by such service.

Service connection is granted for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and manic depression.,Service connection is also granted for a low back disability. However, service connection for sinusitis or allergies and headaches remains pending as additional evidence is needed.

The Veteran's claims for an increased disability rating and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct nexus between his in-service injury and his current condition. The Board also found that presumptive service connection based on exposure to Agent Orange or other environmental exposures is not applicable.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines, fibromyalgia, and a low back disability are remanded. The claim for an effective date prior to April 18, 2018 for the award of PTSD is also remanded. The rating assigned in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various conditions, including a cervical spine disability and peripheral neuropathy in multiple extremities. The Veteran's claims are pending further examination and review.

The Board has dismissed all pending appeals due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims.

The Board denied service connection for high cholesterol, bilateral eye disability, and lumbosacral spine disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.,Service connection is not granted as the Veteran's current disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee and low back disabilities, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between these conditions and his active military service.

The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the low back disability from August 2, 2011 to April 5, 2019. The Veteran's condition was characterized by painful limitation of motion and muscle spasms in the thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a neck condition and lumbar spine condition, both secondary to his service-connected right shoulder disability. The AOJ must obtain medical opinions regarding these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability. The decision also reopened the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's bilateral feet epidermophytosis and lumbar spine disability are both denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased ratings and TDIU, expressing satisfaction with the current combined 100% rating. He also did not pursue earlier effective dates or CUE claims.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for back disability and sleep apnea has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, GERD, and his lumbar spine disability were granted. The claim for a gallbladder condition was denied. Service connection for hiatal hernia and hypertension was not established. A rating of 70 percent for the lumbar spine disability is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for another VA examination and medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's current back disorder, including arthritis of the lumbar spine, is related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and dental disability, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that led to the current conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability and a neck and upper back disability, both of which are claimed to be related to the Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches.