Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability on a direct basis, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated by his in-service duties.

All issues related to service connection have been either granted in full or finally denied by the Board without subsequent appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected lumbar degenerative arthritis and headaches were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to August 10, 2022, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to be afforded another VA medical examination regarding her service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and cervical strain. The issues of entitlement to an increased disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for IVDS, lumbosacral, and service connection for cervical strain are also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, left hip, right hip, right knee, left knee, and shoulder disabilities have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,New evidence has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine and left hip disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, left carpal tunnel syndrome, hypertension, and lumbar spine disorder were denied. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) was granted.

The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease with IVDS and lower extremity radiculopathy are currently rated at the maximum available under VA regulations. The Board has remanded these issues for further development.

The Veteran's low back disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy were granted increased ratings, with the right lower extremity radiculopathy also receiving a separate rating. The TDIU claim was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and brain tumor residuals have been denied as there is no evidence that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his periods of active duty, including any period of ADT. The Board found the Veteran's statements regarding onset inconsistent and not credible.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with previous instructions and an incomplete request for private chiropractor treatment records. The Veteran is asked to provide written authorization for VA to obtain these records.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability and right knee osteoarthritis, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active service.

Service connection is granted for seizures, memory loss, and hypertension.,The Veteran's left shoulder condition, fibromyalgia, back condition, left carpal tunnel syndrome, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and skin condition are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted, and requests additional VA medical opinions regarding the relationship between his current back condition and bilateral knee conditions and his service-connected bilateral callouses and hallux valgus disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine and lumbosacral spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected right knee osteochondroma and osteoarthritis prior to March 4, 2009 are remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities for the period from September 27, 2012 to December 28, 2015 and for the period from December 29, 2015 to present.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for a lumbosacral strain (lumbar disability) before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a back condition and left knee condition due to inadequate factual basis in previous VA opinions, and failure to consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding continued pain since service.

The Veteran's right knee disability was granted service connection effective January 27, 2016. The low back disability was also granted service connection effective January 27, 2016. The left knee disability received a rating of 10 percent and an effective date of March 31, 2015.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete development and lack of compliance with previous remands. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder, peripheral neuropathy, psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and headache disorder are all being reviewed.