Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine condition, finding that his current condition is related to his in-service back pain and resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical, lumbar, and thoracic spine disabilities may be related to service, but further examination is needed to establish a clear connection.

The Veteran's lumbar spine, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right knee strain with degenerative arthritis and residuals from meniscectomy, left knee strain post patellar realignment, and GERD with IBS have been granted initial 20 percent ratings effective since the date of service discharge.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of her lumbar strain, left shoulder adhesive capsulitis, and cervical spine disability have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable criteria.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee, left knee, lumbar spine, and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities due to inadequate examinations in previous VA evaluations.

The Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of service connection for a back disability was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his back disability was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, which is currently considered a direct service connection claim.

The Board has ordered a remand for the Veteran to be examined by an orthopedic specialist, specifically one who specializes in the spine. The examination should assess whether his low back disorders are related to service or due to his right knee disability.

The Veteran is granted TDIU and Special Monthly Compensation at the housebound rate for the entire appeal period, with effective dates of November 23, 2020.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left foot disorders due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an addendum opinion addressing the extent of additional functional loss during flare-ups prior to September 4, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to comply with prior remand directives, and additional examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, lumbar spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to a lack of medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the claims of whether new material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for lower back condition, PTSD, left knee condition, and right knee. The Veteran must file a substantive appeal if he wishes to continue his appeal on these issues.

The Veteran was previously employed but resigned due to service-connected disabilities, including back pain and ureteral stricture.,From January 1, 2017, onward, the combination of his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the remaining issues due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing their appeal.

The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for status post right upper lung lobectomy is denied. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for back, right shoulder, and left shoulder disabilities due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is restored to a 60% rating, effective August 1, 2016. The right ankle disability and TDIU issues are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to inadequate VA medical opinions in previous decisions. The case is being returned for further development.