Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The appeal for service connection of the low back condition, gastrointestinal problems, and bilateral eye conditions is granted. The Veteran's claims are remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a left shoulder disability and low back disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection. The Veteran is presumed to have had no pre-existing conditions, but his current disabilities may be related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for updated VA treatment records, VR&E records, and clarification of the Veteran's occupational history. The Veteran must also undergo VA examinations to determine the severity of his lumbar spine, cervical spine, and left ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent from June 15, 2018 to September 10, 2020. The claim for a higher rating remains denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or IVDS during this period.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle and right heel disabilities are found to have caused or contributed to his lumbar spine disabilities. His right hip disability is also found to be related to his active-duty service.

The Board denied service connection for low back and neck disorders, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim from February 16, 2016 is granted. The appeal for service connection and increased rating for bilateral hearing loss are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar strain, left knee internal derangement of medial meniscus, left knee osteoarthritis with degenerative joint disease, right knee internal derangement of medial meniscus, and right knee osteoarthritis with degenerative joint disease due to new evidence from his Reserve service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various shoulder and hip disabilities due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome was granted. The cases of low back disability and skin condition of the bilateral feet are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral pes planus, back condition as secondary to bilateral pes planus, and bilateral knee condition as secondary to bilateral pes planus is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran is seeking higher ratings for his cervical spine and low back disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a TBI, dental injury, and for an increased rating for low back strain are being remanded. The claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea on a secondary basis to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and associated left and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The issues of rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, service connection for sinusitis, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are remanded.

The claim for service connection of a back disability is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the November 2022 VA examination. A new examination is required to determine if the Veteran's current back disability is related to his military service or if it was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected right ankle or right knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication due to new evidence added since the last Statements of the Case.

The Board has determined that the reduction of disability ratings for left and right knee instability from 10% to 0% is void ab initio. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral foot condition has been reopened due to new evidence received since the April 2016 rating decision. The claims for increased ratings for various conditions are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability has been reopened. The Board has also remanded the claims for service connection for major depressive disorder, PTSD, anxiety disorder, and substance abuse due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's low back disability is being remanded due to outstanding records and the need for further investigation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for his psychiatric disability, service connection for his back disability, and service connection for macular degeneration due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional examinations.