Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for dermatophytosis of the toenails was denied in February 1972 and again in May 2002, but new evidence submitted since November 2003 does not reopen this claim.,Service connection is granted for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Veteran's GERD is found to be caused or aggravated by his service-connected coronary artery disease.,The low back disorder claim is denied. There is no evidence showing the low back disorder was incurred in service, due to an undiagnosed illness, or related to herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by service and did not have a direct link to any service-connected condition.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating issues due to his withdrawal of those claims. The TDIU claim was also dismissed as there is no evidence that an earlier effective date can be assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been shown to preclude substantially gainful employment for the period prior to June 21, 2022. The Board finds that a TDIU is warranted on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle and back disabilities have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the current disabilities and active military service.

The Veteran's heart disorder and low back disability are granted service connection due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is rated at 40 percent, with separate ratings denied for fatigue, dyspnea, light-headedness, and weight and appetite changes.

The Board has denied service connection for G6PD deficiency, heart condition, high blood pressure, and prostate condition as there is no evidence of these conditions during active service or within one year post-service. The Veteran's current diagnoses are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of evidence showing a current disability. The issue of service connection for a psychiatric disorder secondary to hearing loss is remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the denial of the primary claim.,Service connection for GERD, lower back disability, and sleep apnea (claimed as sleep disturbances) are all remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee and lumbar spine disabilities were denied because he failed to report for the scheduled VA examinations without showing good cause.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and major depressive disorder is remanded due to inadequate prior examination, and a new opinion is required.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and cervical radiculopathy (claimed as peripheral neuropathy of the hands), including as due to Agent Orange exposure, finding that there is no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating greater than 20 percent for lumbosacral strain and TDIU due to service-connected lumbosacral strain, specifically for the period from February 25, 2008, to December 20, 2010. The remand requires additional retrospective medical opinions regarding the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability during this time frame.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claims during a hearing. The claim for TDIU has been granted.

The Board has granted reopening of the claim for service connection for a low back disability, but denied the claim itself due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, heart disorder, and sinusitis are being remanded due to the inadequacy of the January 2016 VA examination. The examiner did not consider the Veteran's lay reports or post-service treatment records in forming their opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, peptic ulcer disease, is granted service connection.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, is granted service connection.

The Veteran requested to withdraw her claims for arthritis, right foot, great toe; calcified pelvic phleboliths; blood clot in left jaw and teeth grinding, oral cavity, neoplasm buccal mucosa; and lumbar condition. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims of service connection for low back and bilateral knee pain, finding no new and material evidence that would support these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to conflicting opinions and need for additional medical examination.