Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right leg disability, including as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The issues of increased ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy and lumbosacral strain due to spondylolysis L-5, S1 are remanded.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.,Service connection for cervical degenerative disc disease and herniated disc L3-L4 were both denied due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to service.

The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus and remanded the claim for a lower back disability due to insufficient evidence in the current VA examination.

The Veteran's sleep disorder, including sleep apnea, is granted as secondary to his service-connected back condition. Service connection for sinusitis is also granted. From March 18, 2014, to September 25, 2017, an increased rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's back condition is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine, as well as radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, are granted with a 40 percent evaluation. Additionally, he is granted TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and lower extremity nerve problems (claimed as nerve problems) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's current disabilities are not considered related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability, obstructive sleep apnea, and gastrointestinal condition. The Board found no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that caused these conditions.

The Board has dismissed all claims related to service connection and rating determinations for various conditions, including loss of smell, migraine disability, left foot pes planus, PTSD with TBI, respiratory disability, popping of fingers, and back disability. The Veteran did not have a diagnosed back disability during the appeal period.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his active service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed as the appellant has withdrawn her appeal on all issues.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date of November 6, 2015, for the award of service connection for allergic rhinitis status post septoplasty is granted.,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for lumbar strain with minimal arthritis and PTSD are denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of her lumbar spine disc protrusion with annular tear, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic low back condition during service and no causal link to service.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for low back pain due to a duty to assist error, as there was insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's current low back pain is related to her in-service pregnancy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including persistent depressive disorder, sleep apnea, lumbosacral strain, and other conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU based on these service-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of service connection for various conditions due to incorrect forms being used in the appeal process.

The Veteran's service connection claims for back disorder, bipolar disorder, and IBS have been denied. The shortness of breath claim is remanded due to lack of Individual Exposure Summary. Service connection for hysterectomy associated with endometriosis and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ are also remanded.,The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder has not met the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent from February 27, 2023. The IBS claim is denied as it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to various disabilities, including tinnitus, shoulder and knee conditions, vertigo, migraines, GERD, ED, and hearing loss. The Board has remanded these issues for further development.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for several disabilities that are secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance due to his ability to perform daily living tasks independently, with occasional assistance.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome (a 'back disability') as secondary to his service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease and bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran withdrew the appeals regarding initial compensable rating for tinea versicolor posterior of the neck and service connection for tinea versicolor of the chest, right knee, left knee, and back disabilities prior to the Board's decision.