Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has found that additional examinations are needed for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine surgical scar and his claimed heart disability. The appeal is remanded to allow for these examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for lumbosacral strain service connection is denied.,Service connection for left hip condition and respiratory condition (COPD) are both denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and left knee disabilities are remanded due to inadequate addendum opinions. Additional evidence is needed before these claims can be adjudicated.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings were dismissed. The Board also granted a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and higher ratings have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his TDIU claim and the rating of his back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The issues of entitlement to service connection for cervical, lumbar, left shoulder, right shoulder disorders, and headaches are now before the AOJ for further review.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as moot due to a recent grant in an April 2022 rating decision. Service connection was granted for hyperparathyroidism secondary to chronic kidney disease, and PTSD was rated at 70 percent disabling. The appeals for melanoma, lumbar degenerative arthritis, and hypothyroidism were also addressed.

The Board has determined that more development is necessary prior to final adjudication of the claims on appeal, including obtaining updated VA examinations and considering functional loss due to flare-ups.

Service connection for PTSD is granted. Initial higher ratings are assigned for instability of the left and right knees, as well as patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neck disability, characterized as degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, is at least as likely as not related to service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, including initial evaluations, effective dates for service connection, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and a right knee disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during active service and have persisted since.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as lumbosacral spondylosis, lumbar radiculopathy, lumbosacral strain, and arthritis, finding that it had its onset during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back condition, finding that it is not related to his in-service injury and is more likely due to natural degenerative changes.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of all low back disabilities, including whether they are related to service or caused by service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a higher rating for PTSD is remanded due to lack of recent VA treatment records and the need for a new examination. The issue of service connection for her back condition is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis and strain residuals is being remanded due to a lack of adequate examination.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a back disability is reopened due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and private treatment records from Dr. H.B., and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination.