Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's lumbar strain and GERD were both denied initial ratings in excess of 10 percent. The case was remanded for further examination.,Service connection for lower extremity radiculopathy and fatigue, to include chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is also pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Appellant's National Guard service and the relationship between his back condition, hypertension, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims will be further developed with additional medical records and a VA examination if necessary.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient clarification of the severity of the Veteran's low back disability, specifically regarding range of motion testing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, hepatitis, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression) have been remanded due to the need for additional development.,Further examination is required to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases of low back disability, cervical spine disability, somatic disorder (pain disorder), and GERD for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his back disability is remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examinations and lack of relevant medical records. The Veteran's lower back disorder is being reviewed again for a proper determination.

The Veteran's neck condition and unspecified depressive disorder are granted service connection as they are related to his in-service back injuries.

The Veteran's left lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy is rated at 30% effective October 5, 2021.,Right leg sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 10%, and the Veteran contends for a higher rating. The Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and lack of contemporaneous medical records.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, posttraumatic headaches and dizziness, and bilateral hearing loss as the evidence did not support direct service connection due to lack of in-service diagnosis or noise exposure.

The Board has restored a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's right ankle disability from February 7, 2013. The remaining issues have been remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and a nerve disability, to include radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active-duty service.

The appeals of the claims for right ear hearing loss, dental disability, and tinnitus have been withdrawn. The remaining issues are dismissed due to lack of evidence or new information.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for COPD, tinnitus, lower back condition, and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities due to service connection. The appeals are remanded because there is insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder and for obtaining relevant treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right knee instability, left knee instability, and migraine headaches have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since November 9, 2020. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus do not show a reasonable possibility that he was unemployable prior to January 27, 2022. The Board denied entitlement to a TDIU based on a single service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and potential service connection based on Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations. The issues include head injuries, psychiatric disorders, hearing loss, sleep apnea, spine problems, nerve damage in limbs, and knee disabilities.