Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claims. The Board has also remanded several issues including PTSD, thoracolumbar spine strain, right shoulder rotator cuff strain, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with Osgood Schlatter's disease, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with Osgood Schlatter's disease, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances due to a back brace and Menthol/M Salicylate topical cream are remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding the type of braces used, the underlying condition treated by the topical cream, and records related to past clothing allowance decisions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence in the record regarding his right knee condition, bilateral foot disability (plantar fasciitis), and low back condition.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and arthritis, radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities (sciatic nerves), left eye atrophy with visual field loss, and bilateral glaucoma with left eye atrophy are all rated as per the current evidence. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran has a diagnosis of degenerative arthritis and DDD other than IVDS of the cervical spine, which he experienced symptoms since service. The issue was granted as direct service connection.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with its prior remand directives and the Veteran's claims must be remanded once again for addendum medical opinions to address his service connection claims.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection of lumbar spine disorder and denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder was not found to be related to his military service, while his bilateral hearing loss was rated as noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a low back condition due to conflicting opinions and need for further development. The Veteran asserts he incurred a back disability in service during a rocket attack, but the VA examiner found it less likely than not that his current back condition is related to service.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism was granted a 100% rating prior to April 10, 2017. The TDIU issue is moot due to the SMC grant for the entire appeal period. SMC was granted prior to April 10, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings of a low back disability, service connection for urinary and bowel disabilities were denied. The Veteran was granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and right knee disability have been granted. The appeal regarding the rating for right elbow sprain prior to April 20, 2021 has been dismissed as moot due to the grant of service connection. The appeal regarding limitation of flexion since April 20, 2021 is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The examiner did not consider the combat presumption and the Veteran's lay statements about an in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for headaches, a lumbar spine disability, and a left lower extremity disability due to their inextricability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions and missing treatment records. The Veteran's lower back disability is being reviewed for its onset during service, its relationship to his right ankle disability, and whether it was caused or aggravated by environmental exposures.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine condition and sinus condition due to inadequate medical opinions in the previous decision.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 10 percent prior to November 15, 2021, and at 20 percent from that date. The effective dates for service connection of left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are granted as April 29, 2015.,The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied due to the combined rating not meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted service connection for spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine and remanded the issues regarding radiculopathy of the lower left and right extremities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for insomnia associated with his left inguinal hernia was granted, and the effective date is set at April 9, 2007.

The Veteran's back and neck disabilities are granted service connection. The psychiatric disability is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, lumbosacral strain, Meniere's syndrome, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).