Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting opinions and a need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for ankylosing spondylitis of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral hip condition due to in-service infections or exposure to herbicide agents. The AOJ must obtain a new medical opinion addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's disability rating for intervertebral disc syndrome, degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease with levoscoliosis, lumbar strain, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis was increased to 40 percent prior to July 31, 2020. From that date onwards, the rating remains at 40 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for right ankle, bilateral hip, bilateral knee, and back disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions in previous decisions. The case is being returned to obtain new examinations.

The Veteran's request to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.,Prior to December 5, 2019, the Veteran's lumbar spine DJD with DDD disability was not rated higher than 10 percent. The case is remanded for further examination and rating consideration.,The Veteran's entitlement to a TDIU is also remanded due to its inextricably intertwined nature with the increased rating claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for thoracolumbar spine disability and degenerative disc disease of the neck due to outstanding records from service treatment, including inpatient care. The Veteran will be afforded VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine degenerative changes. The issues of service connection for hypertension and a bilateral eye disability are remanded due to outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for further development of her claims.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is granted an initial 70 percent rating, but no higher. The Veteran's chronic thoracolumbar strain remains remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for an orthopedic injury autoimmune reaction, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.,The issues of service connection for lumbar spine disability and piriformis syndrome with sciatica and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been denied.

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

The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is granted.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for depression is granted.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for degenerative joint disease, cervical spine is granted.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome, lumbar spine is granted.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension is denied.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder (which includes PTSD and depression) is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder arthritis and thoracolumbar spine arthritis on a direct basis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during and have continued since service.

The Veteran's right wrist disorder is now granted as service connection.,The claims for lumbar strain and neck condition are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a recurrent lumbar spine disability, recurrent skin disability (PFB), recurrent sleep disability (obstructive sleep apnea), diabetes mellitus, and testicular disability (testicular cancer) as well as his psychiatric disability. The VA is instructed to obtain service records and verify the Veteran's periods of active duty, active duty for training, and inactive duty for training with the Navy Reserve.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, but remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a lumbar spine disability has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's back and neck disabilities have been granted service connection.,Service connection for the right leg disability is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his right shoulder, left shoulder, and back disabilities are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations. Additionally, TDIU is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee disabilities and a back disability due to insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his service-connected injuries are considered, but further examination is needed.