Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to June 2, 2014 due to inadequate examinations conducted during flare-ups or after repetition over time. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to address his knee and cervical spine disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a retrospective medical opinion to determine the severity of his low back disorder throughout the period on appeal. Additional development is necessary as the requested examination did not provide the required information.

Service connection is granted for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and migraines.,The right shoulder disability and the right front tooth chipped issue are being remanded for further review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are inextricably intertwined with his claim for a rating increase for his back disability. Therefore, these issues have been remanded to allow for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to locate the Veteran's service treatment records and obtain medical opinions regarding his claimed disabilities. The claims for service connection are being remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for stomach ulcers, low back condition, acid reflux, sleep apnea, and atrial fibrillation. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's increased symptoms in his lower back are attributable to a non-service connected lower back disability, and the Board finds that a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected low back strain is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative disc and joint disease, lumbar spine due to missed VA examinations. The Veteran was not notified of upcoming examinations in a timely manner.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the current condition is not related to service and does not meet any of the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and disability ratings on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his death during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include service connection for various hip, knee, and back disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a right knee disability and low back strain with lumbar radiculopathy.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an additional VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar herniated disc and annular tear, including whether these conditions are related to his service-connected disabilities or directly related to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, low back disorder, and sleep apnea are all granted service connection. The low back disorder and sleep apnea issues have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and a lower and upper back condition have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals through his representative.

The Veteran's back disability is granted a 40 percent rating beginning January 21, 2014. The issue of service connection for right and left ankle disabilities has been remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar spine disorder, left ankle disorder, and bilateral knee disorders. The claims were not granted as the medical evidence did not support a direct link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with recurrent central and left disc herniation with left extremity radicular pain, status post laminectomy and diskectomy is granted. The Board also finds that his neck disability may be secondary to his back disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability and right toe disability was denied. The Veteran also had a temporary total rating for the lumbar spine, which was denied. TDIU was granted from November 20, 2009 to December 17, 2018.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a low back disorder, finding that the evidence is at least in approximate balance as to these claims. The Veteran's current conditions are presumed due to military service.