Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's back disability, characterized by lumbar arthritis and degenerative disc disease, was found to not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of generalized anxiety disorder with persistent depressive disorder (claimed as depression and anxiety) was dismissed. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for lumbar retrolisthesis with lumbar radiculopathy (claimed as chronic low back pain).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical nexus opinions and the need to obtain additional evidence, including Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of March 1, 2011. Prior to this date, he was employed part-time and later became unemployed due to his back condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for lumbar spine DDD and has determined that he is entitled to this benefit based on a direct link between his in-service injury and his current disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil and a back disorder due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and lumbar spine disabilities due to a lack of available service treatment records. The Veteran testified that he sustained injuries while playing basketball during active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and that any current condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a deviated septum and a back condition due to incomplete VA treatment records and insufficient rationale in the previous opinions.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased ratings and service connection claims due to a withdrawal request from the appellant's authorized representative.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and additional development is needed.

The Board has decided that additional development is necessary for the claims of service connection for low back disability and ruptured sinuses, as new and material evidence may have been received. The Veteran's missing military records from his reserve service are to be requested, and private medical records from Grennan Chiropractic in Irving, Texas are also needed.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability, left foot disability, and right foot disability due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar spine and left knee disorders due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran's current lumbar spine and left knee disorders are not related to his active service or service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding treatment records, particularly those from a private neurosurgeon and VA's Veterans Choice Program.

The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the claims at this time.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that there is no evidence of a current diagnosis and insufficient credible evidence to support a link between his active duty service and any present symptoms.

The Veteran's back condition, including degenerative arthritis, is granted as service connected. The claim for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee, left knee, and back disorders. The Veteran's current conditions are related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral spine disability and left foot disability due to new evidence showing worsening conditions. The Veteran will need VA examinations to assess her current disabilities.