Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy and thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome are being remanded due to the need to obtain updated VA and private treatment records.

The Board has found that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, which was initially denied due to lack of a nexus between service and current disability. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded the issues of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for unspecified depressive disorder, a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right patellofemoral pain syndrome (knee strain), and entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's TDIU claim from January 14, 2011, to February 22, 2018, is granted based on his service-connected right knee disability, right shoulder disability, lumbar spine disability, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment prior to November 2, 2021. The Board granted an extraschedular TDIU effective October 7, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, adjustment disorder with anxiety, and alcohol use disorder.,Service connection was also granted for a low back disability (DJD) and left arm disabilities (AC joint DJD, shoulder tendonitis, C5 radiculopathy, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome).,Right carpal tunnel syndrome was also granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve due to inadequate examinations and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete service records. The Veteran's back disability is being reviewed again with a focus on his active-duty service.

The Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, a back disability, and left side restless legs and arms have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection has been granted for these conditions.,The Veteran's migraines are being remanded as his claim is not yet fully adjudicated.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including back, neck, knee, shoulder, and esophageal conditions, have been granted. The issues of service connection for a left knee meniscal tear, right hand disability, left hand disability, fatigue (undiagnosed illness), and memory loss (undiagnosed illness) are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate previous VA examinations and a need for a retrospective examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's low back condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected ankle disorders caused or aggravated his thoracolumbar spine disorder and lower extremity radiculopathy. The case will be reviewed after obtaining additional VA medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disorder, including whether it is related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA as secondary to obesity caused by the appellant's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities, including bilateral ankles and lumbar spine. The claim of a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar strain with spondylosis T9-T12 is remanded. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received sufficient to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a lung disability is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to assess the Veteran's cervical spine condition, as the previous examination did not adequately address flare-ups and their impact on function.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The claim for an initial compensable rating for the right knee scar is denied. The claims for service connection for a left eye condition, heart condition, GERD, gastrointestinal condition, right shoulder disability, and lumbar spine disability are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues of service connection for upper and lower back disability, neck disability, headaches, and sleep condition are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar strain (claimed as back) is granted, and the case is remanded for further examination.