Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, back disorders, sleep disorders, right knee disorders, and left knee disorders due to additional VA-developed evidence not having been considered in a Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD has been granted a 40 percent evaluation, but no higher. The Board found that the Veteran's flexion was limited to at most 30 degrees and this is equivalent to favorable ankylosis.

The Board has denied service connection for an ear disorder other than bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and a back disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain additional private treatment records from Dr. J.M. of the Southern Clinic and Dr. D.E. of the Southeast Pain Management Center.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for migraines, reopening of the back disorder claim, and service connection for right lower extremity numbness were denied. The case is remanded to obtain an assessment of the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral spine disability, cervical spine disorder, and fibromyalgia due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for right knee, back, and right foot disabilities. The Veteran's claims are currently pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to his lumbar spine disability. The case will be returned to the Board for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and thoracolumbar strain, as well as degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine. Service connection for cervical radiculopathy is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as the previous examinations were inadequate.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, lumbar spine disorder, and essential tremor of the right and left hands. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated neurological impairments, as well as the etiology of his lower extremity radicular symptoms, urinary urgency, and sexual dysfunction. Additional development is needed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cardiac disorder, hypertension, and low back disability. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection or secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for a lumbar spine disability is denied. The Veteran also received a grant of TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a low back disability due to insufficient evidence in the current record. The Veteran's lay statements and medical history are considered, but an addendum opinion is needed from a clinician.

The Veteran's arthritis of multiple joints, including of the bilateral hips, knees, hands, thumbs, ankles, and lumbar and cervical spine, was not shown as chronic in service or related to an in-service injury. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals on multiple issues, including service connection and increased rating claims. The Board dismissed the appeal due to these withdrawals.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms in service are not adequately addressed by the November 2015 VA examiners.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from June 1, 2015 until January 5, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a lumbar spine disability, right knee meniscotomy and arthrotomy residuals, and right knee surgical scar as additional information is needed to determine if service connection can be established.