Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed eye disorder, left hand, left knee, right knee, low back, respiratory, headache, hemorrhoids, and sleep disorders. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and an inadequate examination, specifically regarding IVDS and radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to outstanding records not being obtained.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and neck disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection based on a 1977 motor vehicle accident during active duty.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of entitlement to Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) due to incomplete development. The AOJ must conduct a preliminary assessment and obtain further medical explanation from the underwriter regarding non-service-connected disabilities before adjudicating the S-DVI claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that it neither began during nor was caused by his military service and was not aggravated by his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to his back brace is denied as the brace did not cause wear and tear to his clothing.

The Board denied service connection for neck, low back, right shoulder, left shoulder, right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, left hand carpal tunnel syndrome, right knee, left knee, right leg, left leg, right foot, and left foot disorders due to a lack of evidence showing their onset during or within one year following active service.,The Board found that the Veteran's neck and low back disorders are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The right shoulder disorder, headaches, obstructive sleep apnea, and lumbar spine disorder claims are all being remanded.

The Board has remanded both the claim for an increased rating for back disability and the service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to additional consideration of lay evidence.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to missing VA rehabilitation records and the need for updated medical examinations. The administrative decision regarding his claimed traumatic brain injury could impact the TDIU determination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need to obtain additional medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and clarification of opinions regarding secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's lay statements and opinions from his VA physician. The claims will be reviewed with new examinations and opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal because his substantive appeal for service connection of a low back disability was not timely filed within the required time frame.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection and disability ratings related to various spinal conditions and sciatica, as well as a TDIU claim due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder in February 2012. The Veteran did not appeal this decision, and it is considered final. New evidence submitted since then does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lower back disability, finding that it is presumed to have been incurred in service due to chronic symptoms during and after service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a spine disability, to include cervical and lumbar spine disabilities. The claims of increased ratings for left ankle and bilateral foot calluses are remanded due to lack of recent VA examinations. The issues of service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are also remanded as there is insufficient evidence on record regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including degenerative changes of the lumbar spine and dextroscoliosis, cervical DJD, left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, bilateral shoulder degenerative arthritis and DJD, bilateral upper and lower extremity radiculoapthy, plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spur, tinea corporis, and varicose veins are all granted. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at 70%.