Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is not more nearly manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine disability has not been met.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine, but denied service connection for arthritis of the hands.

The Veteran's lumbar strain and left lower extremity sciatic neuropathy have been granted initial ratings, with the lumbar strain rated at 20 percent since May 3, 2022. The left lower extremity sciatic neuropathy has a separate rating of 10 percent since September 24, 2019.

The Board has dismissed the service connection claims for high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus type 2, and erectile dysfunction. The service connection claims for a lumbar spine disability and a right thigh disability have been denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for coronary artery disease, a low back disorder, and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his right ankle sprain. The issues have been remanded to allow for further examination and medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and research into his reported stressors. The Board will consider whether new evidence supports reopening of these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder, kidney disorder (hematuria), and head disorder (vertigo) due to in-service injuries. The evidence supports the Veteran's claims that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected right ear hearing loss is granted, but with a noncompensable rating.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss is denied.,Gulf War Syndrome is granted.,Service connection for a lower back condition is granted.,Service connection for shin splints and left shoulder condition are granted.,The Veteran's service-connected right ear hearing loss disability remains noncompensable.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation in excess of 30 percent for cystic acne has been dismissed.,Service connection for a right knee condition, to include as secondary to service-connected left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) with spondylolisthesis have both been denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. His bilateral hearing loss and back disorder are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition and a neck condition, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are linked to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, urinary incontinence and frequency, low back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment as of July 29, 2017.

The Veteran's non-VA emergency room visit for severe back pain on April 25, 2015 was deemed an urgent medical emergency due to the progressive worsening of his symptoms. The nearest VA facility was closed and over an hour away, making it not feasibly available. Therefore, payment or reimbursement is granted.

The Board has determined that further examination and opinion are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, as well as their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations. The issues include back condition, hypertension, skin disorder, and an acquired psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further review of the evidence, including a VA examination report submitted in October 2021. The issues regarding service connection are not yet resolved.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for a lower back disorder, PTSD, and TDIU due to insufficient medical opinions regarding secondary service connection for the lower back disorder. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and a low back disability, to include as secondary to the right knee disability. The June 2022 VA medical opinion found that there is no evidence of a nexus between the disabilities and service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various lower extremity disabilities due to inadequate VA medical opinions.