Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues related to the conditions listed, including ratings and service connection claims. The Board dismissed these appeals as a result.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability characterized as degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, organic PLMD, and chronic insomnia, all of which are found to have onset during active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and consideration of additional medical records, as the current examinations do not provide sufficient information on the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine and right hamstring disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral ankle disabilities, and bilateral knee disabilities. The conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was initially rated as 20 percent disabling from November 12, 2002 to July 28, 2014 and increased to 40 percent since then.,Since December 26, 2019, the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy has been rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient consideration of all relevant evidence, including service treatment records and lay statements. The Veteran's low back disorder may be related to service, but a new opinion is needed. For bilateral foot disorder, there are theories of secondary service connection and aggravation by service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine. The appeal is being considered again due to a previous examination not meeting VA requirements and because the Veteran may wish to withdraw his appeals.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistent opinions from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disability. The examiner provided conflicting opinions, including one stating that the Veteran's back condition was aggravated by driving over rough terrain and another stating it was not. The examiner also did not consider important factors such as the Veteran's military service activities and his statements about pain.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment for the period from December 20, 2013 to August 9, 2019. The Board granted a TDIU based solely on his PTSD during this period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as of September 30, 2008. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for the period from September 30, 2008, to July 16, 2009.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete or conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, back disability, and left knee disability. The claims are not yet ready for appellate review.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the aggravation prong of secondary service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and remanded the issues of initial and increased disability ratings for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease. The appeal is considered 'mixed' as some issues were granted (rheumatoid arthritis) while others were not (lumbar spine).

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate examinations and because of new information regarding the Veteran's obesity and its relation to his PTSD medication.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to their relationship with the Veteran's service-connected left hip disability. The effective date is not specified as it was vacated in an earlier decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right wrist, back, right ankle, and allergic skin disorders due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board found that the reduction in rating for a low back disability from 40% to 20%, effective October 1, 2017, was proper based on improvement shown by multiple VA examinations over four years.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain another VA examination to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, including whether they are related to service or due to wear and tear. The examiner is also asked to determine if the Veteran has bilateral upper and lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeal for depression with mood swings was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,Service connection is granted for plantar warts, penile warts, and bilateral sciatica of the lower extremities. Service connection is also granted for thoracolumbar spine disability (low back condition).,The Veteran's claim for service connection for lung diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, left knee arthralgia, and bilateral hearing loss remains pending.,Service connection for rhinitis, sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded due to exposure to contaminated waters at Camp Lejeune and/or asbestos exposure.