Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity as secondary to a back disability. The Veteran's hearing loss was also denied a compensable rating.,Service connection for a back disability, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and bilateral hearing loss were all denied by the Board.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine disability and associated radiculopathy due to missing VA treatment records, inadequate examination reports, and legal questions regarding pain and ankylosis.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, right knee disorder, back disorder, left shoulder disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to new and material evidence submitted since the final denial in February 2015.

The Veteran's back disorder with residuals is remanded due to insufficient analysis in the previous VA opinion regarding the cause of his additional disability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for more recent SSA records and employment information from his former employer(s).

The Veteran's left knee disability, tinnitus, and right foot disability are granted as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The low back and shoulder disabilities are remanded for further examination.