Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for chronic lumbar strain and pes planus due to inadequate VA examinations, and new evaluations are required.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for dyslipidemia is denied as it is not a disability under VA law and regulations.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cervical spine strain, low back pain, degenerative joint diseases of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, and feet, allergic rhinitis, peptic ulcer, diverticulosis, hiatal hernia, erectile dysfunction, benign prostate hyperplasia, memory disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depression are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a total disability rating due to unemployability (TDIU) is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the above-mentioned issues.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded for additional development. The Veteran is also seeking a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection due to deficiencies in prior VA examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a back disability are denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support these conditions being related to his military service.

The Veteran's back disability, including lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis, and IVDS, has been rated at 40 percent since July 23, 2009 to December 13, 2012, and from February 1, 2013 forward. The Board found that the disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of incapacitating episodes or unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board has dismissed all claims as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and thoracolumbar spine disability. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, a delusional disorder or alcohol use disorder; traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals; neck disorder and lower back disorder due to unresolved medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, back condition, and heart disability due to incomplete medical opinions and failure to comply with previous directives.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an upper back disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between his current cervical and thoracic spine disorders and his service-connected lumbar spine condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back disability, sleep apnea, and bilateral feet disability due to inadequate VA examinations that did not consider the Veteran's lay reports of symptoms during service.

The Board has granted service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service. The claims for left knee and right knee disabilities have been remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hip disability, a back disability with bilateral lumbar radiculopathy, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The Board found that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability.,Service connection for tinnitus is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence and need further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to issues related to service connection for acute microhematuria and lumbar spine disorder. The Veteran's claims are currently pending.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected, but he does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The TDIU claim is granted.,The Veteran has multiple service-connected disabilities that render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left shoulder, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disabilities due to insufficient evidence in their favor. The VA examiner is required to provide opinions on whether these conditions are related to service or had their onset during service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability due to new and material evidence submitted since the February 2016 rating decision. The case is now remanded for further development.