Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate opinions and missing service personnel records.

The Board has remanded all service connection claims due to the submission of additional VA treatment records and examinations. The Veteran's claims for various conditions are being reviewed again.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment, and the Board denied entitlement to a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) and an effective date prior to May 12, 2017. The Veteran's cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy are also remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding increased ratings for lumbar spine disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy. Additional VA treatment records received in August 2022 must be referred to the AOJ.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim has been denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has already been granted.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was not established due to lack of evidence showing a current disability within one year after service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate the current severity of the Veteran's low back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee and hip disabilities, as well as his lumbar spine disability. The issues have not been fully adjudicated yet.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence to determine if the Veteran's back condition is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any low back disability, including whether it was caused by or related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they do not make him unable to perform daily functions or require regular assistance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a low back disability, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board has decided the case is not ready for final decision and has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's back condition.

The Board has determined that the records are relevant to the low back service connection claim and a remand is necessary as they could help substantiate the claim. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded this case due to insufficient evidence regarding the necessity of the requested home modifications and accommodations. The Veteran's claim will be returned for further development.

The Board dismissed all 34 issues on appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims, except for the service connection for irritable bowel syndrome which was not appealed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss and low back disability due to improper filing of a Notice of Disagreement (NOD).

The Board denied service connection for both a lumbar spine disorder and a cervical spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

An initial rating of 40 percent for service-connected lumbar spine strain from May 18, 2022 to November 10, 2022 is granted.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent from November 11, 2022 and an initial compensable rating prior to that date for service-connected left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) associated with the lumbar spine disability is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a right foot crushing injury and sprain of tarsometatarsal ligament of the right foot. The issues of service connection for bilateral knee disability and back disability are remanded.