Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the other issues related to left knee disability, back disability, bilateral foot disabilities, bilateral hearing loss, gastrointestinal condition, and headache disability are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's in-service complaints of low back pain and post-service treatment support this claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The lumbar spine disability was not rated higher than the current assigned rating, while other issues like radiculopathy of the lower extremities and left clavicle disability received initial or partial grants of benefits.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical spine and low back disabilities due to incomplete compliance with prior remand directives. An addendum opinion is required regarding whether these conditions are related to a period of active duty training or an injury during such, as well as whether they are aggravated by a service-connected bilateral knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative lumbar spondylosis with disc desiccation, finding that it is related to injuries sustained during active service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to address the Veteran's lay statements.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including obesity, neck disability, Meniere's disease, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), OSA, low back strain, and COPD. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and examinations.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining her service treatment records and military personnel records. The Board also ordered a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for lumbar strain, TBI, anxiety disorder, degenerative joint disease of the knees, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and mood disorder. The PTSD appeal is remanded due to lack of verification of a reported in-service stressor involving rape.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and asbestosis, but finds that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine began during active service and is related to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a low back condition, bilateral hip conditions (secondary to a low back condition), and chronic fatigue syndrome due to incomplete records from the Veteran's recent military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting opinions regarding his spine and radiculopathy disabilities, as well as his need for aid and attendance. The issues are intertwined and must be addressed together.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service. The decision also acknowledges the Veteran's reports of an in-service injury and ongoing pain.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative joint disease was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of a disability rating in excess of 10 percent prior to March 23, 2020, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left knee patellofemoral syndrome, left ankle sprain, low back condition, throat condition (claimed as strep throat), and sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine, left lumbar radiculopathy, and left lower extremity sciatic and femoral radiculopathies. The issues include seeking higher ratings for these conditions as well as a TDIU determination. Additional development is needed to obtain medical records and conduct examinations to assess the current severity of the Veteran's disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a back disability and chronic motion sickness due to inadequate development, including failing to consider the Veteran's credible testimony regarding continuous symptoms since separation from service. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypothyroidism and lumbar spine disability have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The Board finds that both conditions are presumed related to his in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The appeals for service connection of diabetes mellitus type II, laryngitis, and a low back condition have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.