Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, characterized by limited forward flexion to 15 degrees and associated pain, is rated at a 30 percent level for the entire appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a right-hand disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was granted, and an effective date of March 21, 1995, was established. The left shoulder disability issue is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. The left ankle scar issue has been granted with an initial compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of additional evidence, including a contemporaneous examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and personnel records. The Veteran's claims of low back and left hip conditions are also being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD has been reopened and is granted. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, left foot numbness, right foot numbness, chronic fatigue, back disability, rheumatoid arthritis, and skin lesions remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches, lumbar joint arthropathy, and abdominal disability. Service connection was denied for gynecological disability.,Service connection is granted for migraine headaches as the evidence is at least evenly balanced that they are related to service.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to a lack of service treatment records and personnel records. The Veteran is advised to provide any additional information needed for the search.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to readjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, tinnitus, and bilateral pes planus. The evidence includes VA treatment records, a private physician's November 2019 Back Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ), and the Veteran's hearing testimony.,The Board finds that new and relevant evidence has been received to readjudicate the claims for service connection for a back disorder, tinnitus, and bilateral pes planus. The evidence includes VA treatment records, a private physician's November 2019 Back Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ), and the Veteran's hearing testimony.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, finding that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, finding that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has decided to remand three claims: low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's service treatment records are incomplete, and the VA must attempt to obtain them. A new examination is required for the low back disability claim.

The Veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation are being remanded due to the lack of a VA examination addressing her eligibility for these benefits. The examiner is requested to determine if her service-connected disabilities alone preclude her from ambulating without an aid.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine was denied increased ratings prior to July 13, 2017 and from July 13, 2017. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating during these periods.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial ratings for his depressive disorder, headaches, and back disability. The Veteran is also being asked to provide information regarding his entitlement to a TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and records are needed to properly assess the Veteran's service-connected conditions, particularly his neuropathy. The claims for increased ratings will also be remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder has been reopened, but the Board has remanded both his claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and right ankle disorder due to insufficient evidence in the current record.