Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service.,Service connection is also denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder, likely PTSD, as the Veteran's statements regarding onset are inconsistent with medical records.

The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's back condition, effective from August 18, 2015. The decision was based on the January 2023 VA examiner's opinion that the Veteran had moderate severity of the back condition prior to October 18, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his carpal tunnel syndrome, hiatal hernia (GERD), back injury, and chalazion. The issues are related to whether these conditions are related to service or if they have been aggravated by a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorders. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a low back disability, and the Board will consider this de novo.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for back and right shoulder disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent or 20 percent, respectively.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased rating due to failure of the Veteran to appear for VA examinations. The matter is being returned for further action.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that the conditions are not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including effective date determinations and rating decisions. The TDIU issue is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with other claims.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, left shoulder, right shoulder, and headache disorders due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.,None of the medical opinions provided a causal link between the Veteran's current disabilities and his in-service motorcycle accident.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right hip disability is related to his service-connected disabilities, including altered gait or body mechanics.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation at any time during the appeal period.,For his service-connected conditions, including bilateral pes planus, left ankle disability, low back disability, and right shoulder disability, the Board has remanded these issues to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and additional development is needed, including obtaining in-service treatment records from Fort Jackson base hospital. The issues of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, bilateral foot conditions (excluding skin disability), and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's preexisting condition was aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied increased ratings. The right lower extremity radiculopathy was also denied an increased rating.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is granted service connection. The Veteran's leukopenia and left shoulder surgical scar are denied compensable ratings. Service connection for aplastic anemia, bilateral wrist condition, and bilateral hip conditions are remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation. PTSD and persistent depressive disorder, dysthymia are also remanded.

The Veteran's neck and back disabilities are granted as they are related to his active service.,The Veteran's kidney stones were not caused by his military service, but the Board finds that his urinary tract issues are secondary to his kidney stones.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn, and the Board has dismissed all issues related to service connection for various disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for a headache disorder due to the absence of current diagnosis. The claims for low back, chronic kidney condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, left ankle, and right flank disorders due to incomplete examinations. The Veteran is not entitled to a rating or effective date at this time.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for stomach ulcers, low back disorder, mood disorder, TBI, and cognitive disorder due to TBI. The evidence did not establish a current diagnosis or link these conditions to service.