Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for a lower back disability due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private medical records.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues for increased ratings, and the Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA medical records, conduct examinations, and consider the claims in light of new evidence. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's applications to reopen his claims for service connection for low back and right hip conditions, finding no new and material evidence since the last final denial in August 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is denied, while his claim for chronic fatigue due to an undiagnosed illness is granted. The issues of service connection for cervical spine and bilateral foot disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various shoulder and spine disabilities, as well as a left knee disability due to inadequate medical opinions provided in October 2021.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and PTSD. The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as related to active service. The remaining issues are being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service records are incomplete and remands for further development, including VA examinations to determine the etiology of his low back disability, diabetes mellitus, and neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for thoracolumbar spine, left knee, and right ankle disabilities due to incomplete medical opinions and need for additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected low back disability due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings or service connection based on his symptoms.

The Board has determined that the development conducted does not comply with the March 2021 Board remand directives and thus, the case is being REMANDED for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain missing VA treatment records and for a new examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service. The Board also found that his back disability did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year after separation from service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claim for a low back disorder due to incomplete consideration of the Veteran's assertions and need for an addendum VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's back disorder, including lumbar disc disease, is not service-connected as there was no chronic condition during or immediately after service.,Service connection for fibromyalgia is denied due to lack of a current diagnosis and the absence of evidence linking it to service.,Eye injury residuals, including dry eye, are not service-connected as there is insufficient evidence of continuity of symptoms post-service.,Residuals of pharyngitis or strep throat are also not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on the issues of chronic fatigue, hemorrhoids, genitalia pain, kidney pain, bilateral hearing loss, liver condition, lumbar strain, cholelithiasis (gallbladder condition), and chest pain have been remanded due to lack of evidence or further medical examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left ankle arthritis, left shoulder disability, and low back disability due to inconsistencies in the medical opinions provided. The Veteran will need further examination and opinion regarding the onset and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's lower back disorder is granted service connection as it originated in-service and has been treated since then. The right-hand disorder requires further examination to determine its etiology.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for her right shoulder tendonitis, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, and bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded due to lack of a VA examination addressing current functional loss. The effective date claims are also being remanded as they have not been considered by the AOJ.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disorder has been reopened, and the appeal is granted to that extent. The Board finds new and material evidence has been submitted since the last denial in March 1992. However, the issue of remanding the case for further development remains pending due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection and a VA examination to determine the current severity of his right ankle strain.