Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected back disability was denied because he failed to report for a necessary VA examination without good cause, and the issue cannot be granted without such an examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received, allowing the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability to be reopened. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's case is being remanded due to incomplete Social Security Administration records related to N.C., the Veteran's child. The Board cannot yet determine if N.C. qualifies as a helpless child and must obtain her complete SSA records.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, cervical spine, lumbar spine (claimed as scoliosis), left knee, and right knee disabilities. The Veteran's claim of deviated septum was also denied.,Service connection was not granted for any of the claimed conditions due to lack of evidence linking them to active service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated right sciatic radiculopathy are being remanded for further evaluation due to the possibility of increased severity since his last VA examination in March 2020.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because he died during the pendency of his case, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of his claim.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as he did not meet the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities prior to June 17, 2015.

The Veteran's initial rating for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease was denied, and the issue of an increased rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve is remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The claims of service connection for hearing loss and skin disability, to include acne, are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine disability, right and left lower extremity disabilities, and peripheral neuropathy have required the need for regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has remanded several issues related to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim has been reopened and granted.,Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, and headaches have not been found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasons and bases for denying service connection for a back disability. The Veteran's STRs indicate he had back pain, but the VA examiner did not address these records in their opinion.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for aid and attendance due to service-connected cervical spondylosis and lumbar spine arthritis, finding that prior to January 30, 2018, there was no evidence showing the Veteran needed regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inconsistencies in evidence and need for clarification of certain findings. The issues include service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, initial ratings for cervical spine DJD and lumbar DDD, and an increased rating for gout.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for his right hand fifth finger disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.,The Veteran's low back and right knee disabilities were remanded for additional development to address causation, secondary service connection, and functional impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, sinusitis, and bladder incontinence. Service connection was denied for right hip disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to deficiencies in the VA examinations and other issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete information and need for a new VA examination. The issues include evaluations for lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of both lower extremities, and MDD.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder strain, low back condition (lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome), and chronic headaches.,Service connection is also granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for thoracolumbar disability and initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete service treatment records and inadequate medical opinions.