Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing back disability was aggravated during his active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including lumbar spine, bilateral knee, bilateral wrist, and bilateral elbow conditions, due to exposure to ionizing radiation during his active duty. The decision also holds in abeyance the issue of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder is granted. The Board also grants the petition to reopen his claim, finding new and material evidence that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. However, the claims for hypertension and cardiovascular disease are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's low back pain had its onset in service and is not related to any pre-existing condition.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination for service connection of low back muscle, right knee, and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the left lower extremity were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes or under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if there is a relationship between the Veteran's current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating determinations due to new evidence, lack of a nexus opinion, and need for additional examinations. The issues include psychiatric disorders, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral conjunctivitis, hemorrhoids, and hyperparathyroidism.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantial and gainful employment from May 23, 2011 to October 2, 2013. The Board granted a TDIU during this period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, has been granted. The Veteran is also granted a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to July 25, 2017 and in excess of 30 percent from July 25, 2017 and thereafter for a cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to inadequate examinations, and requests for additional information from the Veteran.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for various conditions and hypertension. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed to determine if he currently has these conditions or if they are related to his military service.

Service connection is granted for a low back disorder and obstructive sleep apnea, both found to be related to active service. The Board also finds no chronic neck or tension headache disability during the appeal period.,The Veteran's nerve disorder to the right lower extremity is remanded for an examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected as there is no evidence of current disabilities for VA purposes.,His low back strain with degenerative disc disease, claimed as chronic back condition, also does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar strain is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining missing treatment records from a private chiropractor.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for these conditions. The claim for increased rating of hyperactive airway disease is remanded. A new VA examination is required to determine the cause of the lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a new VA examination and additional development due to inadequate previous opinions regarding his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran must be provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back, left hip, and right hip disabilities due to incomplete records. The Veteran contends these conditions are related to a tractor trailer rollover accident during service.