Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to higher initial ratings for a lumbar spine disability and bilateral knee disabilities were denied by the Board. The appeal is based on service connection, not exposure to specific hazards.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the claims of service connection for a lumbar spine, cervical spine, and psychiatric disability. The appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Board granted service connection for a lower back disability, resolving all reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, as well as his claim for TDIU due to outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran is also required to complete a Veterans Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability (VA Form 21-8940).

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a right knee disability, back disability, left hip disability, and headaches has been dismissed. The claims for reopening of service connection for a back disability, left hip disability, and headaches have been granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disability, back disability, left hip disability, and headaches remains pending with the Board.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, obesity, high cholesterol, right and left shoulder disabilities, lumbar strain (back disability), cervical cancer, chronic pelvic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), seizure disorder, bursitis, stroke residuals, fibromyalgia, piriformis syndrome, iron deficiency anemia, temporary paralysis, uterine fibroids, enlarged lymph nodes, and arthritis are being remanded for additional development.,The Veteran's obesity claim is denied as it does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board remands the appeal for further examination to clarify the severity of the Veteran's neck and low back disabilities, specifically regarding range of motion testing in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing conditions.

The Board remands the claim for an increased rating for residuals of an injury to the thoracic and lumbar spine to the Director of VA's Compensation Service for consideration of an extraschedular rating.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and correctly decide the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbar spine disability, service connection for OSA, and service connection for a skin disorder and scar on the head. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and initial ratings due to deficiencies in the VA examinations.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and providing VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hip disability and cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) and degenerative joint disease (DJD) with foraminal encroachment, as there was no evidence of an etiological relationship between the claimed conditions and his military service.

The Board granted a 50 percent disability evaluation for migraine headaches effective August 10, 2021, and a 70 percent disability evaluation for depressive disorder and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified effective August 16, 2021.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, a lumbar spine disability, a right knee disability, and a cervical spine disability. The reasons provided were that there was no in-service injury or disease related to these conditions, and the evidence did not support a finding of a relationship between any current disabilities and active service.,The Board also denied service connection for diabetes mellitus on a presumptive basis as it did not manifest within one year of separation from service. The reasons provided were that there was no in-service injury or disease related to this condition, and the evidence did not support a finding of a relationship between any current disability and active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic headaches and the grant of an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for bilateral pes planus with degenerative disease and callouses are granted. The claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability is denied, as is the claim for service connection for heart disability and neuropathy.

The rating reductions for low back disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy from 20% to 10% are restored.,A temporary total rating based on hospitalization is denied.

The Board granted service connection for a back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of esophageal surgery was remanded.

The Board remands the claims for a new VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected right hip disability, as well as to determine if any left hip, right knee, back, or psychiatric disabilities are caused or aggravated by the right hip disability.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including right and left shoulder, elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, sleep apnea, ankle, cervical spine, upper extremity radiculopathy, and lumbar strain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and further development is needed.