Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Veteran's left foot disability is granted a 10 percent evaluation, subject to regulations governing payment of monetary awards. Other claims are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for stomach condition, low back pain, and neck pain. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted a 50% disability rating. The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right foot, hip, shoulder, and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine and left leg nerve disorders, as well as his skin cancer and respiratory disorder (asthma), are related to service. However, due to inadequate medical opinions regarding continuity of symptoms since service, the case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied effective dates prior to September 29, 2022 for service connection of residuals of a lumbar compression fracture, RLE radiculopathy, and a surgical scar of the low back.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for back condition, depression, PTSD, and left shin splints.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for lumbago of the lumbar region, diabetes mellitus, type II, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

Service connection for lumbar spondylosis, as secondary to service-connected pes planus, is granted.,Service connection for migraine headaches, as secondary to service-connected SSD, is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including hemorrhoids and hypertension, were found to not meet the criteria for a compensable rating at any point during the appeal period.,For post-operative arthroscopy with degenerative joint disease of the left ankle, the evidence did not support a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, chronic lumbar strain (claimed as low back issues), and spina bifida due to insufficient evidence linking these conditions to active service.

Service connection is granted for a musculoskeletal foot disability other than pes planus, including metatarsalgia with metatarsal phalangeal arthritis, hallux valgus, calcaneal spurs, and multiple metatarsus adductus.,Service connection is denied for pes planus. Secondary service connection for neuropathic pain of the bilateral feet is granted.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and completing VA Form 21-4142.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a back disability is denied as there is no evidence of a link between the current condition and his active duty service. The claim for right ear hearing loss is remanded to obtain an addendum opinion from the VA audiologist, and the TDIU issue is also remanded due to its inextricably intertwined nature with the right ear hearing loss claim.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right shoulder conditions, back condition, neck condition, left hip condition, right hip condition, left knee condition, and right knee condition. The Veteran's current conditions are found to be related to his military service.,Service connection is also denied for a bilateral hand condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left shoulder, low back, and left foot conditions have been granted.,However, the Veteran's claims for bilateral shin splints, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder are pending and need further review.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of chronic low back and neck disorders, finding that there was no evidence showing a relationship between his current conditions and his active military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and medical opinions to address continuity of symptomatology, etiology, and other relevant factors.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's thoracolumbar disorder, including whether it is related to service or secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and need for additional evidence. The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is being reviewed again.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.