Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain has been granted service connection.,For the entire period on appeal, the Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back and bilateral knee disabilities due to a failure to substantially comply with its prior remand order. The claim is being returned for obtaining etiological opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back condition is related to his active service and grants service connection for this disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back pain, finding that it is more likely than not related to his in-service experiences.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis, xeroderma of the hands, perforated duodenal ulcer (gastrointestinal disability), and GERD. Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder disability, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is rated at 100 percent, and his back condition is granted a rating of 100 percent. The right thumb condition and left knee condition are both denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to consider the Veteran's prior medical history. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining new VA psychiatric and back examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome, and cervical spondylosis, right lateral collateral ligament sprain (chronic / recurrent), and left lateral collateral ligament sprain (chronic / recurrent).

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain with foraminal annual tear and disc protrusion, L5-S1. The other issues of service connection for wrist disabilities and a shoulder disability are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for additional development due to challenges regarding the competency of VA examiners and the need for retrospective opinions on the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and associated radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him disabled to the extent that he requires regular aid and assistance of another person, warranting SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's back disability and his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is being evaluated based on its secondary service connection theory, while his left shoulder osteoarthritis remains at a 20% rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information in the November 2019 examination report regarding the Veteran's lumbosacral strain. The Veteran needs a new examination to assess their back condition, including detailed range of motion testing results and an explicit description of any pain observed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions provided in a previous VA examination and for AOJ review of new evidence. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is being reviewed again, including whether it is related to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only due to lack of evidence showing loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, vision impairment, or ankylosis of knees or hips resulting from service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines, bilateral flat feet, a bilateral shoulder condition, asthma, cervical spine condition, thoracolumbar spine condition, and bilateral knee conditions are being remanded as further medical examination is needed to determine the nature and cause of these disabilities.,Your current hearing loss disability is currently rated as noncompensable. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to new evidence received, including VA examination reports. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a back disability related to his left knee disabilities and an increase in rating for his right knee disability.