Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has decided to remand the cases of lumbar spine disability, psychiatric disability (to include depression), and heart disability due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for a combined rating in excess of 50 percent for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and bilateral lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy prior to April 22, 2016. The claim is remanded for increased ratings for the bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and further development is needed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left knee condition, back condition, and obstructive sleep apnea. The claims are not granted as there is no evidence that these conditions were incurred in service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and cervical spine disability were denied. The cervical spine disability received a rating of 20 percent, effective from August 29, 2016.

The Veteran's back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral pes planus (right foot) have been granted service connection.,A compensable rating of 20 percent has been granted for the Veteran's left ankle disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations, including VA examinations of his PTSD, lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and right knee.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for left hip arthritis and lumbar arthritis due to insufficient examination opinions addressing whether these conditions are aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar spine DDD was denied. Effective February 15, 2013, the Veteran received service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy with effective dates of that same date. The Veteran's TDIU claim from August 27, 2012, was granted.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for low back strain with degenerative arthritis to include intervertebral disc degeneration is denied. The reduction in ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy from March 2, 2017 is void ab initio. Claims for TDIU are granted and dismissed as moot.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back, right knee, left knee, and left shoulder conditions due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's statements and VA examinations will be reviewed to determine if there is a link between her current conditions and service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, right leg, left leg, and psychiatric disabilities. The issues of service connection for recurrent sleep disability (obstructive sleep apnea) and thyroid disability have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and low back disability. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to her active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity or continuous symptoms since separation from service and no nexus to service.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination and opinions are needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's current back disability and service, including his reported in-service injuries. The examiner should consider all relevant factors, including the combat presumption.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, including intervertebral disc disorder and lumbosacral spondylosis, as well as secondary service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for a back disability and plantar fasciitis due to incomplete development of records, including VA treatment records from the Center for Interventional Pain and Spine. New opinions are needed regarding whether these conditions had onset during service or are related to in-service injuries.

Your appeal has been dismissed because you requested to withdraw it before the decision was made.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, keloids, and a dental condition for compensation purposes due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination for lumbosacral strain and a need for additional private treatment records. The issues of rating and reduction are also on appeal.