Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and diffuse degenerative disc disease with cervical spondylosis, claiming as upper back pain. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims of in-service injury or continuity of symptoms.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to incomplete documentation of his Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, which may affect the determination of whether he qualifies for TDIU prior to September 7, 2021.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to assess the Veteran's need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, as it has been over five years since the last examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further action, including obtaining VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her arthritis. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's lumbar strain is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of forward flexion less than 30 degrees or favorable ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient documentation of back pain during service, specifically in May 1973. The Veteran's claim for low back disability is being reviewed again with a focus on this period.

The Board has remanded the claims for right knee disability, neck disability, back disability, carotid artery disease, heart disability (manifested by chest pain), and peripheral vascular disease due to inadequate examinations in previous decisions. The new opinions are required to address continuity of symptomatology and in-service complaints.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for a lumbar spine disorder due to inadequate examination, requiring an additional evaluation.

The Board has granted restoration of the Veteran's ratings for lumbar strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy to their effective dates.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, headaches, low back pain, and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment. Service connection for bilateral upper extremity numbness and tingling is denied as not related to service.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective April 26, 2016. His cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent, also effective April 26, 2016. The Veteran's substance abuse disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected psychiatric and orthopedic disorders.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for increased evaluations of her lumbar spine and radiculopathy conditions, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.

The Board denied service connection for a left foot disability, left knee disability, low back disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's lumbar DDD and spondylosis have not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent since March 29, 2019.,The Veteran's cervical DDD and spondylosis have not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent from August 20, 2021.

The Veteran was granted TDIU and SMC based on aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.,Service connection for tinnitus was denied as the evidence did not support a link between the condition and active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral strain is at least as likely as not related to back pain during active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40% since December 20, 2022. The claim for increased rating prior to that date was denied and the TDIU claim from August 22, 2019 to December 20, 2022 was granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, updated VA treatment records, and an addendum opinion regarding his ability to work.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including bilateral foot, wrist, ankle, knee, groin injury with residual erectile dysfunction, TBI with headaches, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and bilateral hearing loss disability, have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty service.