Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claim for TDIU can be adjudicated. The RO must obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected left testicle disability and his claimed back disorder. The examiner is requested to provide a medical opinion on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back pain, including whether it is related to his service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the criteria for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to August 26, 2015, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter have not been met. The claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to new evidence received since the final June 2011 rating decision.

The appeal is being remanded for the RO to consider additional evidence and list specific dates of each four-hour drill/training session in 2011. The benefits sought remain denied.

The Veteran's left and right foot disabilities are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's internal bleeding (claimed as fluid on the knee/hydrarthrosis) is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's upper back disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's lower back disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's tinnitus rating is remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and he is now service-connected for a low back disorder and neck disorder. The right carpal tunnel syndrome and neurological disorder of the upper extremities are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to evidence of worsening since his last VA examination. The cases are being returned for further evaluation and potential additional examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar back, right knee, and left knee disabilities are not service-connected.,The VA examiners provided negative opinions for direct service connection due to lack of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for low back strain has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar spine disorder, right hip disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and right ankle disorder due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the Veteran's contentions of in-service onset and continuity of symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for his back disability and for TDIU due to the need for further development of evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss, lumbar spine disability, and PTSD with major depressive disorder have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. A TDIU is granted from September 29, 2008 to February 17, 2021.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, post-operative surgical repair is service connected as it is more likely than not incurred during his active duty service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims regarding his lumbar spine, right hip, and left elbow conditions. The claims are being remanded to obtain updated medical opinions addressing the severity of these conditions throughout the period on appeal.

The Board has remanded the claim for a new VA examination to address whether the Veteran's joint pain and related disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on current symptoms. The appeal for a higher initial disability rating is denied.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and medical opinions are necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, lower back condition, right shoulder condition, left knee condition, and right knee condition. The case is therefore being remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his military service.