Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not prevent her from following a substantially gainful occupation, and she is therefore denied entitlement to a nonservice-connected pension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and left knee disorder due to inadequate VA medical opinions in prior decisions. The case is being returned for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for a low back disability due to incomplete information and records. The Veteran will be provided with notice and given an opportunity to provide additional evidence or sources.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection and increased ratings in multiple conditions, including lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, arm conditions, knee conditions, heart condition, high blood pressure, mental health condition, and headaches. The claims are dismissed.

Service connection is granted for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, chondromalacia patella of the right knee, and degenerative arthritis of the right ankle.,Secondary service connection is also granted for osteoarthritis and chondromalacia patella of the left knee.

The Board has granted an effective date of August 10, 2010 for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since at least August 10, 2010.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, erectile dysfunction (ED), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hyperthyroidism, a chronic disability manifested by diarrhea, neck condition, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, right knee degenerative arthritis, and right ankle osteoarthritis.,Service connection is remanded for left knee condition, bilateral hearing loss (BHL), diabetes, hypertension, kidney condition, residuals of a pilonidal sinus cyst, and bilateral foot condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed as the Board has already granted favorable decisions on these issues.,The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings and SMC remain pending, and further review is required.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations in June 2018. The Veteran's lay statements and medical records will be considered.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for back, neck, and left knee disabilities due to insufficient development and lack of adequate medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to deficiencies in the record, including a lack of adequate VA examination and treatment records. The issues include service connection for a left hip disability, an increased rating for a back disability, and TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral eye disorders are being remanded as the current evidence does not establish their onset during service.,The Veteran's asthma, allergic rhinitis, lumbar spine disorder, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral pes planus are also being remanded due to insufficient evidence of their onset or connection to service.

Service connection is granted for lumbar-spine disorder and COPD.,The claims for acquired psychiatric disorder, headaches, and broken-jaw residuals are remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left knee and back disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment consistent with his past work history, education, training, and skills.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine condition was denied, but the Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim. Service connection is granted.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor was granted a 30 percent rating from December 4, 2014 to September 25, 2016. From September 26, 2016 forward, the Veteran is denied a compensable rating for his tinea versicolor.,The Board found new and material evidence to reopen claims of service connection for lumbar spine facet arthropathy and right hand cramping.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the aggravation of the Veteran's right shoulder and back disabilities by his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and bilateral hearing loss due to potential issues with the examination reports and medical opinions provided.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability prior to September 27, 2019 is denied as the evidence does not show that his condition meets or approximates the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.