Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including headaches, lumbar strain, right thigh impairment (claimed as a right hip condition), degenerative arthritis of the right hip with limitation of flexion, and right leg length disparity, are being remanded for further examination to reassess their severity. Additionally, her claim for service connection for GERD and/or gastroenteritis is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar disability, but has remanded the issues of ratings for shin splints and pes planus, as well as TDIU.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and right knee DJD have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on asthma, headaches, right quadricep tear, right shoulder disability, and left knee disability have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on anxiety disorder, bilateral plantar fasciitis, lumbar facet arthropathy, right knee disability, and left shoulder disability are being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities as secondary to his bilateral knee disabilities have been granted. His right and left total knee replacements are rated at the maximum schedular rating of 60 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA audiological testing results and SSA records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for clarification on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone render him in need of regular aid and attendance. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the functional impairment attributable to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities due to a fall in service. The case is being returned for further development, including new examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of a lower back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to procedural issues, including failing to schedule VA examinations as instructed in prior remand orders.

The Board has remanded the cases of hypertension and a back disability for further development, including obtaining private medical records and SSA records.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disorder, but dismissed all other claims of service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and an initial compensable rating for epididymitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is at least as likely as not related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were withdrawn by his attorney, resulting in the dismissal of all claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating for lumbosacral spine disability and service connection for leg problems associated with it are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety disorder is remanded due to inconsistencies in his reported history and the need for another VA examination considering credibility issues.,The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for PTSD, low back disability, and bilateral hearing loss due to new evidence being submitted. The Veteran's request for a hearing by live videoconference was withdrawn.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder and left knee disorder have been granted. The case is REMANDED for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the cervical spine disorder and addressing secondary service connection for radiculopathy.

The Board dismissed all appeals as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board has dismissed the appeals seeking service connection for low back disability and hypertension due to the appellant's withdrawal of these claims.