Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and low back condition have been granted, with the cases being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional records and further examination. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are still under appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds no basis to increase this rating. The issues of PTSD with depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder, hypertension, degenerative disc disease with sciatica, TDIU prior to May 28, 2010, and special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status are all remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left foot disabilities due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service events are considered.

The Veteran's increased rating for mechanical low back pain is denied, but a separate compensable disability rating of 10 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted from July 6, 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran had pre-existing back, foot, and knee conditions prior to her ACDUTRA period. The right ankle disorder is also suspected of having a pre-service origin. As such, these claims are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral knee condition and a back condition as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right hip impairment.

The Veteran's migraine headaches, left and right knee disabilities, and lumbar spine disability are all rated as per the criteria for their respective conditions. The acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is also rated appropriately.

The Board denied service connection for back degenerative arthritis, neck disability, right knee degenerative arthritis, and headaches as the evidence did not establish a nexus to service.,Service treatment records showed isolated incidents of injury in service but no chronic disabilities related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for back, left shoulder, and right shoulder disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations. The cases are pending further development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claims.

The Veteran's petitions to reopen claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, neck disability, and back disability have been granted. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus based on aggravation during active duty, but denied service connection for low back disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for sinusitis, post traumatic plantar tibial nerve damage (right), degenerative arthritis of the right knee, and lumbar spine degenerative joint disease. The issues include seeking earlier effective dates and higher ratings.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of the lumbosacral spine and tinnitus have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, pes planus, and bunions of the feet were denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his low back disability is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating of 40 percent, but no greater, for left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for low back pain, hypertension, sleep apnea, and bilateral sensitive feet due to additional development being required.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with prior remand directives regarding retrospective VA opinions on additional loss of motion during flare-ups and after repeated use over time for lumbosacral strain.