Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's left knee DJD and right knee arthritis are not service-connected. The low back disability is granted with a 40% rating, but no higher, prior to January 9, 2020.

The claims for increased ratings of the Veteran's low back disorder and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling an examination with a qualified clinician.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that his current condition is not causally related to any disease or injury during service and did not manifest within one year of discharge. The examiner provided medical opinions against the Veteran's contention.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, as well as radiculopathy of the left upper extremity and right lower extremity, all related to an in-service helicopter crash. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible testimony and a private physician's opinion.

The Board denied service connection for a disability manifested by fatigue, including chronic fatigue syndrome. The Veteran's fatigue is considered a symptom of his other disabilities such as ischemic heart disease and cervical/lumbar strains.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's claimed conditions are related to his active service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a right knee disability, left knee disability, and low back disability. However, these claims are still pending as they have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for sleep apnea and a thoracolumbar spine condition. The Veteran's sleep apnea is being examined again, with particular attention to whether it was aggravated by PTSD or obesity. For his back condition, an opinion on whether it was aggravated by diabetic neuropathy will be sought.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lower back disability. The claims for sinusitis and deviated nasal septum have been denied, while the claim for allergic rhinitis is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a low back disability due to inadequate previous opinions. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to January 21, 2009 is denied as the evidence does not show that he was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and inadequate opinions regarding his thoracolumbar and cervical spine conditions.,A medical expert is needed to provide an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's thoracolumbar and cervical spine conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a new medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's lower back disorder is secondary to his service-connected left rhomboid muscle strain.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder strain and impingement syndrome, back disorder, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, and right and left knee disorders have been granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for these conditions are based on direct evidence of a link between the conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for degenerative joint and disc disease and stenosis of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, cervical spine disability, and radiculopathy of the upper extremities due to inadequate medical opinions provided in the previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the severity of his lumbar spine condition and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for low back and neck disabilities, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD showed sustained improvement and did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The reduction of his PTSD rating from 70% to 50% was proper.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the rating for degenerative disc disease (DDD) lumbar spine with spondylosis, and this claim is dismissed.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for left ankle condition and back disorder due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his service-connected injuries.