Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The reduction in disability rating from 40 percent to 10 percent for lumbar spine disability was improper, and the previously assigned 40 percent rating is restored. The entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine disability is granted.

The Veteran's asthma has been granted a 0 percent evaluation effective August 10, 2022. The claims for sinusitis and hearing loss/tinnitus are being remanded due to new evidence received.

The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date for schizophrenia, unspecified with cocaine use disorder is granted. The appeal for an earlier effective date for lumbosacral strain is dismissed as it was not a valid issue.

The Veteran's GERD, lumbar spine condition, tinnitus, and psychiatric disability are all granted service connection.,Service connection is established for these conditions based on their onset during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, intervertebral disc syndrome, and spinal stenosis are currently rated at 40 percent. The appeal is denied as the criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,The Veteran's service-connected left lower extremity radiculopathy and right lower extremity radiculopathy are both currently rated at 40 percent. The appeals are denied as the criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back pain is at least as likely as not related to her service, and therefore grants her claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its secondary relationship to PTSD, degenerative arthritis of the right and left knee, degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, right and left ankle conditions, and nasal bone fracture residuals due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's IBS is granted service connection based on presumptive service connection due to Southwest Asia service. The remaining conditions are remanded for further development.

The Board has found that new evidence was received and the claim of service connection for back disability is remanded to correct a duty to assist error. The Veteran's current disability or persistent symptoms may be associated with service, but further examination is needed.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease and lumbosacral degenerative disc disease was denied.,Effective from March 8, 2020, the Veteran received service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve) and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve).

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of March 12, 2019 for the Veteran's entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU), subject to certain legal requirements.

The Board has remanded all claims related to service connection for various shoulder and back conditions, as well as left wrist pain. The reasons include the need for additional medical opinions considering the Veteran's in-service experiences.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck disability, low back disability, and prostate cancer due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection. The Veteran must be provided with a VA examination to determine the etiology of his disabilities and verify any exposure to toxic substances like AFFF.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various nerve conditions, including a right shoulder condition and lower back disability. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these disabilities began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service event, injury, or disease.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and remanded the issue of entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, lower back, and acquired psychiatric disorders due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to errors in obtaining relevant records and developing evidence. The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is related to his active duty service, including flying F-15s, while left lower extremity DVT and thrombophlebitis are linked to his service as well.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy, both related to his active duty training period. The decision also grants secondary service connection for the left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of lumbar radiculopathy as the Veteran withdrew his appeal and received a full grant of benefits in an October 2024 rating decision.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, but his right knee and lower back conditions are denied.