Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is currently rated at 30 percent from August 9, 2017, and 50 percent from November 1, 2018. The rating for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and cervicothoracic scoliosis is denied.,The Veteran's traumatic brain injury remains at a 10 percent rating. Headaches syndrome does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to October 29, 2018. The limitation of extension of the right hip is rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including left ear hearing loss, right fifth (little) finger disability, poor vision, low back and right knee disabilities, sleep apnea, allergies, heart rhythm, and hypertension. The Veteran is required to undergo further examinations for these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, upper back, and neck disorders due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities or in-service events.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, a neurological disorder of the left upper extremity, and a thoracolumbar spine disorder.,The Veteran's testimony and medical opinion supported by Dr. Ramirez indicate that his current conditions are related to an in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disability, right shoulder rotator cuff tear with degenerative joint disease, left shoulder rotator cuff tear with degenerative joint disease, sciatica of the left lower extremity, and sciatica of the right lower extremity. The conditions are considered to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have started during service and has continued since then. Service connection for this condition is granted.,VA examination did not find hearing loss in either ear at the time of the January 2017 VA examination, but the Veteran reported worsening symptoms since that time. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded for a new VA examination to determine if current hearing loss disability exists and its etiology.,The Veteran's lumbar spine condition, bilateral knee conditions (left and right), left hand condition, and left shoulder condition are all remanded as the January 2017 VA examiner did not provide opinions regarding their direct relationship to service. A new VA examination is required for these claims.,The Veteran's left ankle condition and right ankle condition are both remanded as a new VA examination is needed to determine if current bilateral ankle conditions exist and their etiology.,The Veteran's balance impairment is also remanded as no opinion has been provided regarding its relationship to service. A new VA examination is required for this claim.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's in-service injury and current disability.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral kidney disability has been withdrawn. The Board has remanded several other issues including skin, low back, psychiatric, headache, eye, hearing loss, tinnitus, carpal tunnel syndrome, hip, knee, and foot disabilities.

The Board has granted secondary service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, finding that it is proximately due to his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was dismissed.,A disability rating of 40 percent for a low back disability is granted as of January 24, 2016. The effective date for this award is January 21, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a hernia and an increased rating for his back disability due to incomplete examinations and conflicting medical opinions. The Veteran is also seeking clarification on the propriety of the separate rating associated with his LLE radiculopathy.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar degenerative joint disease and spondylosis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his in-service injury. The claim was also denied for cervical spondylosis and sprain due to lack of a nexus between the current condition and active service.,The Board concluded that there is no evidence showing chronic lumbar or cervical spine conditions during service, within one year after separation, or with continuous symptomatology since service.

The combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment during the appeal period prior to August 7, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to comply with prior remand directives and insufficient evidence regarding service connection for a back condition. The Veteran is required to provide updated VA treatment records, undergo a VA examination, and receive an opinion on whether his preexisting scoliosis and kyphosis worsened during service or are otherwise related to active-duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The claim for service connection of a lower back disorder is reopened, but the issue remains remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its etiology.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim for service connection of a low back disability and remanded all related issues. The Veteran's other claims are also being remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a thoracolumbar spine disorder due to new and material evidence. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a back condition and a neck condition, both of which were claimed by the Veteran. The conditions are deemed to have begun during active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disabilities, tinnitus, and remanded other issues due to the need for additional development.