Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back disability, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, and limitation of flexion of the right knee were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating criteria.

Your service connection claim for a back disability has been granted, and the issue is now dismissed as there are no longer any unresolved claims.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of various leg and spine disorders due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board denied the TDIU claim as his combined disability rating was at least 70%.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and evidence of record are insufficient to make a determination on the Veteran's claims for service connection. The Board is therefore remanding these issues for further development.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his authorized representative, and all claims have been dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected other specified trauma related disorder is granted. The Board also remanded the cases for further development and examination.

The Board has determined that the VA remand instructions were not fully complied with, and thus, a new addendum opinion is needed to address secondary service connection for lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities required him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, leading to the grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance (A&A) from February 7, 2018.

The Veteran's appeal to increase the ratings for his bilateral knee and back disabilities has been dismissed due to a withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran's representative.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions, including right shoulder tendonitis, sinusitis, obstructive sleep apnea, a right ear hearing loss disability, back disability, left elbow disability, and left rib injury. Service connection is granted on de novo review.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder strain and lumbosacral strain, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise on whether these conditions are related to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence to support his assertions and noting that his reported history did not align with clinical findings at separation. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran likely had a muscular strain in July 2016.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left alveolar squamous cell carcinoma of the mandible and remanded the issue of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's headaches, cervical spine disability, and bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the possibility of worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis was denied as her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's increased rating claim for her back disability was also denied, with no specific rating assigned.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, specifically whether it is related to service. The AOJ must verify the dates of active duty and National Guard service, obtain relevant personnel records, and schedule a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as it was incurred in service due to noise exposure during deployment.,The Veteran's low back condition is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his active duty.

The appeal for the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hyperlipidemia, and restless leg syndrome; and an effective date earlier than December 12, 2017 for the award of service connection for lumbosacral strain is dismissed.