Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and low back disability due to his request to withdraw the former claim. The low back disability was denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disease in service or continuous symptoms thereafter.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine strain and lumbosacral strain with spinal stenosis are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's ulnar clawing and nerve palsy and median nerve palsy, status post gunshot wound to muscle group VII, is rated at 80 percent for the entire period on appeal. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent from April 1, 2022.

The Veteran's low back condition is granted service connection, and the case of his heart condition is remanded for further examination. The case of his bilateral hearing loss is also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to January 12, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal of the claim for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed. The Board also remanded several other claims, including those for an acquired psychiatric disorder and various musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection for sleep apnea. The addendum opinion should consider the lay evidence and private opinions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's service connection claims for low back and bilateral knee disabilities are being returned for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons and bases in its previous decision regarding the Veteran's neck disability, specifically related to functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination regarding service connection for a low back disability, including as secondary to a right ankle disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her in need of regular aid and attendance, resulting in the grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on this need. The issue of SMC based on housebound status is moot due to the grant of SMC for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military duties as a parachutist and mechanic.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbosacral strain is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical pain, lower back disability, bilateral foot disability, bronchitis, hypertension, stomach injury, ulcer disease, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board found that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service, and that any current conditions are not related to service.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The claim for lumbar strain and laminectomy L4-5 is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error, and the issue of an increased rating for left ear sensorineural hearing loss is inextricably intertwined with the right ear hearing loss grant.

The Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for various conditions have been dismissed.,An increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been denied.

The Veteran's spine and hand disabilities are remanded for additional development, including obtaining service records and medical opinions to address the etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability has been primarily productive of painful motion, with no additional loss of flexion or extension during repetitive use testing. The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and right hip arthritis as the evidence is not persuasive that these conditions are related to active duty service.,Temporary total ratings for hospitalization and convalescence were also denied as there was no established service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to procedural errors and the need for additional medical opinions. The issues include psychiatric, lumbar spine, right knee, IBS, and abdominal pain disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including psychiatric disability, migraines, left shoulder and right shoulder disabilities, lumbar spine disability, tinnitus, hypertension, left knee disability, right foot disability, and right leg scar, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).