Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, left foot, and bilateral plantar fasciitis. The conditions are related to in-service injuries and symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating increase for his back condition, service connection for a cervical spine condition as secondary to his back condition, and TDIU due to service-connected conditions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain pertinent medical records and schedule the Veteran for examinations to determine the nature and severity of his back condition and the etiology of his cervical spine condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen her claim for service connection for low back pain. However, the issue of secondary service connection for lumbar spine disorder due to service-connected left knee degenerative arthritis, right knee degenerative arthritis and/or right hip osteoarthritis is remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for plantar keratoderma (claimed as infection on feet) due to new and material evidence. The back disability issue is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's reports of injury and treatment.,Service connection is denied for a back disability (lumbar spine disability) as there is no evidence of chronic disease during service or within the applicable presumptive period, and continuity of symptomatology is not established.

The Board has found that the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) did not substantially comply with prior remand directives and has ordered further development for an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and tinnitus has been granted. The remaining issues are remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was restored to a 20 percent rating from the date of reduction.,A 20 percent rating for his cervical spine disability remains in effect.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's back disability and associated radiculopathy, including rating claims for his low back strain and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The issues of service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy, TDIU prior to April 13, 2016, and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance are also remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for respiratory and cervical spine disabilities, as well as increased ratings for his low back and lower extremity radiculopathy. The appeals are now pending again due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding higher ratings for posttraumatic headaches, a lumbar sprain, left knee patellofemoral syndrome and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome as well as for entitlement to service connection for temporomandibular joint pain.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development on several issues, including service connection for a right knee condition secondary to his left patella chondromalacia and increased ratings for cervical spine disability, radiculopathy of the upper extremities, and TDIU.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis, is granted service connection.,There is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim for a right testicle disability, including right hydrocele, related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further examination and development due to insufficient competent medical evidence on file. The Veteran is seeking service connection for lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, trigger finger deformity of the left thumb, and trigger finger deformity of the left ring finger.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and lack of consideration of all relevant exposure allegations. The claims are being returned for further action.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as the appellant's representative withdrew her appeal prior to the decision being made.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but denied service connection for hypertension, erectile dysfunction, right toe disability, back disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.,The Veteran's current disabilities were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, left hip, and right hip disorders due to ongoing chronic pain in these areas. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied increased ratings for lumbar strain and osteoarthritis of the right knee, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on range of motion or neurological impairment.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a back disability, diabetes mellitus (including as due to herbicide exposure), and bilateral diabetic neuropathy. The Veteran's in-service back injuries need to be addressed by a medical opinion, and his reported Agent Orange exposure needs to be verified.