Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations of his service-connected DDD of the lumbar spine, RLE radiculopathy, and LLE radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development. The propriety of the rating reductions for DDD of the lumbar spine and LLE radiculopathy is also inextricably intertwined with these claims.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and examination. The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was withdrawn, while the remaining claims are being reviewed again due to lack of recent VA treatment records and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his back disability was denied as the evidence did not show favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or limitation of motion to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has denied service connection for left ankle and left knee disabilities, as well as cervical spine disability. The claims of urinary incontinence and psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depressive disorder) are secondary to a lumbar spine disability.,Service connection is also denied for the Veteran's lumbar disc herniation at L4-L5 S/P laminectomy; spondylosis and right sided radiculopathy, as well as his cervical spine disability. The Board has remanded these claims for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining a retrospective opinion regarding the Veteran's range of motion from March 3, 2006 to October 13, 2011.

Your claim for service connection for left lumbar radiculopathy has been dismissed because it was already granted in a previous decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including left ear hearing loss, right and left ankle disabilities, lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity sciatica, and left lower extremity sciatica, must be remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar strain is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion.

The Veteran's cervical spine DDD has been granted service connection. The left foot metatarsalgia is also found to be related to the service-connected left ankle disability.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was denied as there is no current diagnosis of this condition.

The Veteran's back brace caused wear and tear to his clothing in 2018, allowing him to receive a clothing allowance for that year.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination regarding the Veteran's service-connected low back strain, including his temporary total evaluations, as well as any possible left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims for various conditions. The Veteran's hearing loss claim is denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss by VA standards.

The Veteran's appeals for hearing loss, lumbosacral strain, bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, and cervical spine condition have all been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

Service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine and right leg radiculopathy is granted effective November 5, 2008.,Service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis, headaches, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy as secondary to cervical spine degenerative arthritis are all granted effective November 5, 2008.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various disabilities and a rating for arthritis of the lumbar and thoracic spine. The Veteran is also seeking an earlier effective date for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination, and requests further development including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and obstructive sleep apnea, both presumed to be due to Gulf War Syndrome. Service connection was also denied for polyarthralgia (joint pain).

The Board has remanded the claim for a new VA examination to determine the extent and severity of the Veteran's back disability throughout the entire appeal period, including from October 8, 2010.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disorders, including osteoarthritis and disc herniation. The VA examiner is requested to provide an addendum opinion addressing these issues.

The Board has found that remand is necessary for adequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right shoulder, lumbar spine, and respiratory disabilities. The issues of service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VA medical opinions.