Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including those related to the Veteran's left great toe, back, hips, shoulder, and heart conditions. The issues of service connection for cat scratch fever are also inextricably intertwined with these matters.

The Board has remanded the cases due to failure of the Veteran to report for VA examinations related to her knee and back disorders, which are secondary to service-connected hepatitis C.

The Veteran's tinnitus, left foot callouses, and right foot callouses have been granted service connection. The low back disability has also been reopened for further review.,Service connection is established for arthritis of the ankles, but not for the left wrist or knee.

The appeal as to the September 2016 rating decision that denied increased ratings for a headache disability with psychosomatic complaints, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and history of seizure, a lumbar spine disability, sensory radiculopathy of the right and left sciatic nerves, and entitlement to a TDIU is granted. The issues of increased ratings for a headache disability with psychosomatic complaints, GI symptoms, and history of seizures, a lumbar spine disability, sensory radiculopathy of the right and left sciatic nerves, and entitlement to a TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's back disability was granted an increased rating to 20 percent effective November 27, 2019. The appellant is eligible for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the April 2022 decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for disabilities of the back and right knee was granted in a February 2022 rating decision, effective May 20, 2021. The grant resulted in past-due benefits to the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU. The appeal for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion.

The Board denied service connection for a back condition, left knee condition, right knee condition, bilateral hand condition, and bilateral wrist condition. The Veteran did not provide evidence of current disabilities or in-service events that may have caused these conditions.,The Board also denied service connection for headaches. The Veteran did not provide evidence of current disabilities or in-service events that may have caused these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that new and relevant evidence had not been received to reopen her claim. The VA examiner provided rationale supporting his opinion against service connection, citing lack of medical records indicating an in-service injury or chronic condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back condition is etiologically related to service, and thus grants service connection for a low back condition.

The Board has identified a pre-decisional duty to assist error in the VA not providing the Veteran with an adequate medical opinion regarding his PTSD claim. Therefore, the claims for service connection for PTSD and related issues are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition, finding that there is not sufficient evidence to establish a direct relationship between his current condition and his active duty service. The Board also found no evidence of secondary service connection due to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased ratings on multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, cervical degenerative disc disease, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and traumatic brain injury.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted service connection. Other disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability began during service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding service connection for dental disability and back disability.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for soft tissue sarcoma has been withdrawn.,Service connection is granted for chloracne due to herbicide exposure during Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the medical opinions provided, particularly regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected right ankle/foot disability caused or aggravated his obesity and thus led to his back disability. The case is now pending for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, respiratory disability (COPD), vasovagal syncope, heart condition, and high blood pressure. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims that these conditions began during or were related to his military service.,Service treatment records showed no findings of any current disabilities in question, and the Veteran consistently denied symptoms on medical history forms.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbosacral strain, left knee degenerative arthritis, and hypertension due to further development being required. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.