Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Board has denied service connection for thoracolumbar and cervical spine conditions, as well as bilateral upper and lower extremity radiculopathy.,Service connection was not established due to lack of evidence linking the current disabilities to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her helpless or so nearly helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if there are any additional factors contributing to her need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal regarding the service connection for a lumbar spine injury before the Board could make a decision.

The Board finds that the Veteran's June 2017 VA Form 9 substantive appeal was timely filed, and as a result, the underlying claims under the legacy system must be reinstated. The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are granted.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence was received regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for left thumb fracture residuals, a left shoulder disability, and a left foot disability. As such, these claims are being remanded to allow for further review.,Service connection is granted for left ankle osteoarthritis and lumbar disc disease with right radiculopathy (back disability). Service connection is denied for service connection for left thumb fracture residuals, a left shoulder disability, and a left foot disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back condition is related to his in-service duties, including lifting heavy weights for two years. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's ratings for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities were restored to their original levels due to the failure of the VA examinations to be as 'full and complete' as the initial examination, indicating that there was not reasonable certainty of improvement under ordinary conditions.

The Veteran's headache disorder is granted a 50 percent rating effective January 29, 2018. The initial ratings for lumbar DDD and RLE radiculopathy are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is at least as likely as not related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, low back, left and right foot, and left and right knee conditions due to inadequate rationale in previous VA examination opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of military personnel records and incomplete medical evidence. The Veteran's lumbar spine conditions are being evaluated again, and he is required to provide confirmation of his overseas active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for low back pain, right knee pain, left knee pain, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent prior to January 27, 2020 and denied for higher ratings thereafter. His back condition is rated at 40 percent after January 27, 2020 and denied for higher ratings. The neck condition and left lower extremity radiculopathy are both denied for higher ratings. The right shoulder condition is rated at the highest available rating of 40 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in duty to assist, and a new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's back condition is related to service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is granted as it is related to his extensive history of flying aircraft over his career.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability have been dismissed due to the appeal being in a parallel Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) appeal stream.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability began during active service and is granted as service connection.

The Veteran's back condition and left lower extremity radiculopathy were granted service connection effective June 28, 2020.,A 40 percent rating for the back condition was also granted effective June 28, 2020.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction due to inadequate VA examinations and a need to develop the toxic exposure risk activity claim under the PACT Act.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine disability and psychiatric conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His hypertension is not currently service connected.