Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for payment of non-VA medical expenses on June 15, 2015 and September 17, 2015 were denied as there was no indication that the treatment was for a condition requiring immediate medical attention.,For the June 15, 2015 incident, the Board found that the Veteran's back pain did not meet the criteria of an emergency condition. For September 17, 2015, the Board determined there was no indication VA sent the Veteran to Fawcett Memorial Hospital.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and consideration of extraschedular evaluations. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, low back condition, bilateral flat feet, and ocular hypertension. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left hand is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with limitation of extension and flexion, as well as right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome. The lumbar spine spondylosis with degenerative disc disease claim is granted with a rating of 20 percent effective July 7, 2015.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to obtain missing records and ensure all relevant VA treatment records are associated with the claims file.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, after resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and headache disability has been granted. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is considered to be directly related to his military service, while the headache disability was remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the eligibility criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate statement of reasons and bases, failure to obtain relevant SSA records, and need for updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's back disability is being reviewed again with additional development.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to procedural issues and the need for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings was denied as the evidence did not show an unfavorable ankylosis of his lumbar spine or right lower extremity radiculopathy, and the current rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy is at its maximum.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations. The issues include TBI, Left Shoulder Disorder, peripheral neuropathies of upper and lower extremities, and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied as the evidence does not show she was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's low back strain was granted a 20 percent rating from October 2, 2014 to December 20, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, sleep disturbance, and depression has been reopened. The Board finds new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the claim. However, the claims are still remanded as further examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine, right knee, left knee, and acquired psychiatric disabilities due to lack of evidence showing aggravation during service or onset in service. The new and material evidence received did not relate to these issues.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities are currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board denied higher ratings for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for low back, left knee, and gastrointestinal disabilities due to inadequate VA opinions in previous examinations. The Veteran's assertions of pre-service onset of these conditions are not addressed by the June 2021 VA examiners.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudicative action, including obtaining a VA addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability.

The Board has denied service connection for heart condition, skin disease, and diabetes mellitus due to exposure to Agent Orange. The claims for tuberculosis and back disability have been reopened but are still pending as they were not fully adjudicated in the May 1999 decision. Service connection is also being remanded for fatigue.