Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a lumbar spine disability, right ankle disability, and right knee disability due to issues with the adequacy of the reasons and bases provided in the decision. The cases are being returned for further development.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection and initial rating issues related to degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and persistent depressive disorder, respectively. The reduction in disability rating from 20% to 10% for residuals of stress fractures of the second and third metatarsals of the right foot was found improper and has been restored.

The Veteran's first temporary total evaluation for convalescence after lumbar spine surgery is extended through November 30, 2015. The second temporary total evaluation for the same condition remains in effect from December 7, 2015 until January 31, 2016.,The Board denied an extension of the second temporary total evaluation beyond January 31, 2016 due to insufficient evidence of severe postoperative residuals.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection and ratings for various disabilities, finding that the claims were not filed before June 14, 2016.,The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow any form of substantially gainful employment prior to January 25, 2021.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for lumbosacral spine spondylolisthesis with mechanical back pain and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back condition. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a back condition, but the current opinion does not consider all relevant factors provided in the September 2022 remand.

The Board denied a rating higher than 40 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability as of August 11, 2017.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to missing VA treatment records and an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for DM, right shoulder disability, and other conditions was denied. The application to reopen the DM claim was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The rating for the right shoulder disability remains at 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and neck disabilities due to insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Veteran will need to provide updated VA treatment records and undergo VA examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted. Additionally, the Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, effective from March 29, 2013.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's prostate cancer and associated residuals are granted based on in-service exposure, with the benefit of doubt given.,Service connection for tinnitus is denied due to lack of a causal relationship between the condition and service.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbosacral strain and left shoulder strain with degenerative joint disease, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. A separate 30 percent rating for depression as a manifestation of his service-connected conditions is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of a back disability due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability is granted. The Board has also remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to lack of recent VA treatment records and need for further examination.

Service connection is granted for atrial fibrillation as secondary to the service-connected coronary artery disease. The other issues are remanded.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, leaving no issues to be decided by the Board.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a dry eye condition and lower back condition due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical records, including those from his orthopedic provider, and undergo VA examinations.