Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the Veteran's current back disorders are not causally related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional evidentiary development due to the Veteran's failure to appear for a VA examination. The claim will be decided based on the existing evidence.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and lower extremity radiculopathy were rated based on their current manifestations, with the right lower extremity radiculopathy receiving a higher rating due to its more severe nature.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and remanded the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for his back disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient development and examination. The Veteran's symptoms of pain are being evaluated, along with his service records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inconsistencies in the January 2017 VA examination report regarding the Veteran's flare-ups. The claim will be readjudicated after obtaining a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lower back disability and right shoulder disability.

Service connection is denied for diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, left lower extremity numbness, and lumbar spine disorder. The case is REMANDED to obtain medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for other conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a lumbar spine disability, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Veteran's initial and subsequent ratings for his low back disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and review of Social Security Administration records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and further development is required before a final decision can be made on the service connection claim for low back disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability, finding no evidence of such condition in service and noting that his current symptoms began decades after separation from service.,For the residuals of a puncture wound and muscle injury to the left groin, the Veteran was not granted a compensable rating as there is no evidence of painful scarring or other disabling effects.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a low back disability due to insufficient evidence in the record, particularly regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current low back disability.

The Board has dismissed the claim for service connection of a low back condition as it was granted in November 2022. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by swollen joints, finding that her current condition is not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service connection for hypothyroidism was denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to his military service.,Service connection for lumbar spine disability and associated sciatic and femoral radiculopathy were not granted higher ratings, with a maximum rating of 40 percent assigned.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and retrospective opinions regarding flare-ups.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

A 40 percent rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability throughout the period on appeal is granted.,A rating higher than 10 percent for right knee patellofemoral arthritis is denied.,A 10 percent rating, but no higher, for left knee patellofemoral arthritis with limitation of flexion is granted throughout the period on appeal.,A rating higher than 10 percent for left knee patellofemoral arthritis with limitation of extension as of November 15, 2021, is denied.