Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability did not preexist service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar DDD and sciatica in the right lower extremity were denied higher initial ratings across different periods.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted a 20 percent rating since February 12, 2021 and a 10 percent rating prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU/DEA eligibility due to incomplete records, including VistA records. The Veteran is also required to provide authorization for any non-VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and his lumbar spine condition and obstructive sleep apnea are granted. The cervical spine disability claim is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability is secondary to her service-connected bilateral knee arthroplasties. The Veteran contends that her altered gait and posture from her bilateral knee replacements caused or aggravated her low back condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his low back disability, service connection for sciatic nerve neuritis and insomnia. Additional medical records are needed from North Texas Orthopedic and Spine, and VA examinations are required to assess the etiology of the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee conditions 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 service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional development. The issues include lumbar spine, right shoulder, and peripheral vestibular disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating greater than 10 percent for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and for TDIU due to issues with the VA examination process.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his back condition remains pending before the Board. The case is remanded due to unclear functional limitations reported in May 2021 opinion and need for clarification regarding the period of appeal.

The Board has found that further development is required due to inadequate medical opinions and remands prior examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being returned for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection claims have been dismissed due to the grant of maximum schedular rating for headaches. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of the Veteran's skin disorder, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and TDIU due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a back condition due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied as no new and material evidence was received.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete records and insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's knee, hip, and hearing loss disabilities.

The Board has determined that a Statement of the Case (SOC) must be issued because the Veteran initiated his appeal on an incorrect form. The issues will now be remanded for issuance of an SOC.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for thoracolumbar muscle strain and PTSD with major depressive disorder and amphetamine and alcohol use disorders are being remanded due to incomplete examinations and the need for clarification on the nature and severity of his diagnosed intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a back disability due to insufficient evidence in the record regarding its relationship to his military service. The case is sent back for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and requests for additional development. The appellant contends his back disability was incurred during basic training, but there are no STRs or MPRs available.