Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for left knee strain and lumbosacral strain, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions were incurred or caused by service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorders and their relationship to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability records and completing a VA Form 21-8940 regarding his employment status.

The Veteran's service connection claims for prostate cancer and a chronic lumbar spine disability have been granted. The claim for right ear hearing loss is remanded, as well as the initial compensable rating claim for left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The rating in excess of 40 percent for spondylosis of the lumbar spine is currently at 100 percent based on his unemployability, but he seeks further increase. An earlier effective date is also sought.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed back injuries during active duty for training.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD with favorable functional ankylosis during flare-ups is denied a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to May 14, 2015 and in excess of 40 percent thereafter. Separate ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy are granted from August 20, 2009 with a denial of a higher rating. Right lower extremity radiculopathy is denied. Compensable rating for femoral radiculopathy of the left lower extremity prior to October 10, 2020 and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter are also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, a left foot disorder, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus type II, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, osteoarthritis of the right knee, and recurrent subluxation of the right knee. The Board found no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed cracked pelvis, back disability, left leg disorder, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, and lymphedema are not related to her military service.,All VA examinations provided thorough evaluations and addressed the etiology of each condition. The July 2021 VA examiner concluded that none of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine condition, a cervical spine condition, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service complaints of back pain and mental health issues, as well as her continued treatment over the years.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for low back disorder and neck disorder, nerve damage in the back, and bilateral lower extremity sciatica and nerve damage are all remanded due to lack of recent VA examinations and assertions of worsening symptoms.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a TDIU prior to July 3, 2017, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to his service-connected low back disability. The claims are being returned for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a sleep disorder, an increased rating for asthma, and a back condition and TBI.

The Veteran's claims for GERD, low back disability, and pes planus have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for all three conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain, cervical spine disability, and left upper extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and clarification of prescribed bedrest periods.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for alopecia has been withdrawn.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus and athlete's foot (tinea pedis).,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, obstructive sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and IBS are remanded for further examination and opinion.

Your appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to decide your claims as they are no longer pending.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right-hand disability is dismissed. The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, lumbar spine DDD, and neck pain.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbar condition, and duodenal ulcer, have rendered him incapable of securing or maintaining gainful employment since September 17, 2010. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from September 18, 2010.