Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has decided that the claim for service connection of a low back condition should be remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and needs further examination.

The Board has remanded two issues related to service connection for lumbar strain and right shoulder strain, including as secondary to a left shoulder disability. Additional evidence was added to the record since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete medical opinions and need for clarification regarding certain issues. The Veteran's back, left arm, and left leg conditions are all being reviewed in relation to his service-connected pericarditis.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis and back disability did not have their onset in service, did not manifest as arthritis within one year of discharge, and are not otherwise causally related to service. Service connection is therefore denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected. The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, and claimed lower and mid-back condition with stomach pain.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, but his low back condition and right hip condition are not yet determined due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar disability and left shoulder disability, finding that new and material evidence had been submitted. The Board also found that there is sufficient evidence to establish service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for SMC prior to December 4, 2014 was denied as his service-connected knee disabilities did not meet the criteria for SMC.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for low back strain with limitation of motion is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board has found that the Veteran's lay evidence of a back injury during service is sufficient to establish service connection, but VA medical opinions have not corroborated this claim. The case is being remanded for an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran's back disability is at least as likely as not related to his reports of a back injury due to being jostled in tanks during combat.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and a cervical spine disability, manifested by pain. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible reports of symptoms dating back to his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for CAD and lumbar spine disability are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's lumbar strain is manifested by forward flexion of less than 30 degrees but not ankylosis. The Board has granted a rating of 40 percent for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's service connection claims for obstructive sleep apnea and cervical degenerative disc disease are granted. The claim for lumbar spine disability is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment prior to February 20, 2014.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to restore a 40 percent disability rating for his degenerative joint and disc disease in the thoracolumbar spine, finding that there was not sustained and material improvement in his condition.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine and right hip disorders, finding that these conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claims for bilateral knee, left ankle, and right foot disorders are denied as there is no current disability or credible link to his military service. Service connection for lumbar spine disorder, neck disorder, left foot disorder, sleep apnea, and headaches remains pending with additional medical opinions required.

The Board has granted service connection for status post right knee arthroscopy. The other issues of service connection have been remanded due to the need for VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right thumb condition, left thumb condition, and low back disability due to inadequate compliance with prior remand directives. The Veteran's complaints of pain are considered in determining whether there is a current diagnosis or functional impairment.