Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected low back disability was denied by the Board. The evidence did not support an increase in the rating to more than 40 percent from February 21, 2020.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are granted. His obstructive sleep apnea is also granted as secondary to his service-connected psychiatric conditions. Right knee degenerative arthritis, right knee strain, and right knee meniscal tear are all granted. Left knee degenerative arthritis and left knee strain are granted. Low back disabilities are granted. The Veteran's lateral collateral ligament sprain of the left ankle is granted as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. His bilateral plantar fasciitis rating from December 3, 2019, is increased to 50%.

The Veteran's back condition and associated radiculopathy in both lower extremities are granted a 20% rating, effective from April 16, 2013.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including increased ratings for various orthopedic conditions and hypertension. The remand is due to incomplete VA treatment records and the need for new examinations to assess current disability levels.

The Board has granted service connection for a pancreatic disorder and a back disability, but denied service connection for these conditions. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his cervical spine, left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to inconsistencies in the examination reports. The Veteran will need a new examination to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition, sleep apnea, tingling in hands, and low back condition. The issues of service connection for sleep apnea and tingling in hands are remanded.,The decision on the issue of service connection for a skin condition is based on the lack of evidence showing a chronic condition during service or otherwise attributable to service.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. Service connection was denied for right hip disorder, left hip disorder, and lumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's back, right knee, left knee, and right foot disorders have been granted service connection as they are related to his military service.,These conditions were not present prior to service and there is no evidence of pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, but no greater. Service connection for pelvic dysfunction is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and examination to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for his knee and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, as well as his fractured nose. The issues on appeal are related to secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and an increased rating for a back disability were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for direct or secondary service connection, as his headaches are less likely related to service or herbicide exposure, and his back disability does not manifest with IVDS.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disability and a back disability due to insufficient evidence in their favor.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for service connection of left shoulder, upper back, and lower back disorders. The claims are now remanded to obtain updated VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for heart disability, back disability, neck disability, sciatic nerve conditions in buttocks (left and right lower extremities), lower leg disabilities (left and right lower extremities), upper extremity disabilities (left and right upper extremities), and hemorrhoids due to potential service connection issues.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination regarding service connection for a low back condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back and right ankle disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their onset in service. The VA must obtain updated treatment records, arrange for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner on both conditions, and consider new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The appeals for service connection for hypothermia, hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, and PTSD have been dismissed.,Service connection has been reopened for right foot cold injury, left foot cold injury, right hand cold injury, and left hand cold injury.

The Veteran's service connection claim for hypothyroidism is granted due to exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand. The claim for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is remanded as there are insufficient opinions regarding its onset during service.