Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for lumbar retrolisthesis, myositis, and IVDS as well as costochondritis were denied. The Veteran was previously rated at 20 percent for the period prior to February 7, 2019, and now has a 40 percent rating since that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA medical records, private treatment records, and SSA records, as well as providing the Veteran with an examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current back condition.

The Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is denied.,A 30 percent rating, but not higher, is granted for TMJ syndrome of the right jaw as of April 8, 2019 (rather than May 9, 2019).,A 20 percent rating, but not higher, is granted from February 21, 2019 to July 26, 2021 for IVDS with degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and associated left lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, specifically degenerative disc disease, is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD, headaches, right upper extremity radiculopathy, back disability, left knee disability, and left hip disability due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's back condition, including his scoliosis. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is at least as likely as not incurred in service based on his reported back pain since 1989.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations obtained in connection with each claimed disability are deficient and requires new examinations to determine if the Veteran's disabilities had their onset during service or are otherwise etiologically related.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inconsistencies with the Veteran's VA treatment records and a need for an additional medical opinion regarding the onset of his low back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical opinions and issues related to secondary service connection. The claims are now pending again.

The Board denied service connection for various joint disorders and a traumatic brain injury in July 2008. The Veteran's claims were reopened, but new evidence did not meet the criteria to reopen any of the claims.,Service connection was not established for any of the claimed conditions due to lack of evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychological disorder other than major depressive disorder was denied. The claim for increased rating of residuals of lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease, including right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, is also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and a sinus disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began in service and have continued since then.

The Board dismissed the appeal of the issues regarding an increased rating for a lumbar spine disability and entitlement to TDIU as the appellant requested withdrawal of these appeals.

Service connection is granted for a left elbow disability and consequent left elbow and forearm scar.,Service connection is denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder, TBI, left upper extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine disability, or cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the Veteran's low back disability and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The examiner was not provided with a full history from the Veteran, which may have affected their conclusion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lower back, right knee, left knee, and bilateral foot conditions due to the need for VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine strain and associated neurological symptoms, including radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical evaluation.