Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a foot disorder, lung disorder, and back disorder due to deficiencies in the VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability and left ankle condition was denied. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including a back disability, right and left knee disorders, and a psychiatric disorder. The VA will need to provide additional medical opinions to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for gastrointestinal disability and back disability due to inadequate examinations and opinions. The Veteran needs a new examination to determine the nature, onset, and etiology of his gastrointestinal and back disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives. Service connection is granted for a left eye area scar, but the low back and left lower extremity nerve disabilities remain in dispute.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back condition, finding that there is at least an even balance of evidence to support the claim and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has dismissed all appeals as the Veteran died during the pendency of these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for ankylosing spondylitis of the thoracolumbar spine and cervical spine due to inadequate examination reports and failure to obtain in-service vaccination records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a sinus disability and low back disability were denied as there was no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrence. His bilateral hearing loss claim resulted in a non-compensable rating.

The Board denied a rating higher than 20 percent for orthopedic residuals of lumbar strain prior to March 7, 2019 due to insufficient evidence showing motion on forward flexion less than or equal to 30 degrees.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, including whether it is related to service or her service-connected right and left flat foot.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear diagnoses and insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current back disability is related to his in-service injury. The case will be further developed to clarify these issues.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a respiratory disability, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and a low back disability due to inadequate opinions in the prior VA examinations. The Veteran's lay statements regarding continuous symptoms are considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's back disability, specifically his flare-ups and range of motion. The Veteran is seeking a compensable rating prior to March 8, 2018, and a higher rating thereafter.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and thoracolumbar disorders due to outstanding VA imaging records and inadequate opinions from previous examiners. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on in-service injuries.

The Board has granted service connection for gout, thoracolumbar spine disability, and left ankle disability. The right ankle disability issue remains pending as it was not addressed in the decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's low back disability, including a lack of medical nexus opinions and incomplete records. The Veteran is requested to provide VA treatment records and undergo a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

Service connection for bilateral patellofemoral syndrome is granted. The low back disability claim is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient examination reports and lack of etiological opinions. The Veteran's complaints of low back pain, left knee arthritis, and cervical spine DDD are being reviewed again.