Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spondylosis, left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and right leg lumbar radiculopathy have been denied. The evidence does not support the assignment of higher disability ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of his lower back disability, right ankle disability, and hearing loss in the right ear due to insufficient medical opinions and lack of recent VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to the need to provide the Veteran with an opportunity to identify missing records and obtain an opinion regarding his employability. The Board found that a VA examination was not conducted as requested, but rather scheduled by the RO.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to November 30, 2013 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease is granted, and the claims for sinusitis, cervical spine radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and left ankle arthritis are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability but remanded the issue of secondary service connection for his back disability due to inadequate examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left eye disability and cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for eczema/sarcoidosis of the skin, pulmonary condition (sarcoidosis of the lungs), and lumbar spine condition due to inadequate medical opinions and failure to reconcile the Veteran's testimony at his hearing.

The Board has remanded the claim for a low back disability due to potential aggravation during ACDUTRA service and needs further examination.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss, lower back disability, and TDIU due to new evidence indicating worsening in some conditions and insufficient examination records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for lumbar spine disability, finding that new and material evidence was received since the last final denial. The Board also found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is related to his active service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of service connection for a back condition should be remanded due to insufficient reasoning in the July 2021 VA examiner's opinion and the need for an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding her low back disability, chronic sinusitis, left hip disability, right elbow disability, right arm injury with neuropathy, and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Board denied service connection for left knee, right knee, and low back disabilities as there was no evidence of injury during a period of active duty or inactive duty training that resulted in the current conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability due to incomplete VA assistance and new information provided by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the TDIU issue due to unresolved service connection claims for low back disability, neck disability, and radiculopathy. The TDIU claim will not be processed until these intertwined issues are resolved.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, right knee disability, head scars, and left shoulder scar as there is no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.,The Veteran did not provide sufficient medical evidence to support his claims of in-service injury or chronicity of symptoms.

The Board has remanded the cases of pes planus (left) and pes planus (right) for further development. The lower back disability case is also being remanded. Additional evidence received since the last SSOC will need to be reviewed by the AOJ.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and extension of a temporary total rating were denied. The low back disability was rated at 20 percent, effective February 20, 2014.

Service connection for a low back disability and bilateral pes planus is denied. For sleep apnea, a 30% rating is granted prior to August 23, 2012, but the claim remains pending as higher ratings are sought.