Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, which may be secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and lumbar spine disability are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is granted as service-connected, while his left shoulder disability is denied.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA eligibility are granted effective May 1, 2019. The effective date is exclusive of the temporary total rating periods from August 15, 2019 to October 1, 2019.

The Board has determined that more development is necessary prior to final adjudication of the claims on appeal due to incomplete service treatment records. The Veteran's complete medical and personnel records from the Texas Army National Guard are requested.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to duty-to-assist errors and regulatory requirements under the PACT Act. The Veteran's mental health, lumbar spine, and sleep apnea conditions are being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back condition, heart condition, migraines, left foot condition, and left shoulder condition. The VA will provide a new examination in each case.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back and left hip disabilities, both secondary to a service-connected left knee disability. The Veteran's low back and left hip conditions are not yet evaluated due to a lack of VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues of cervical spine disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, lumbar disorder, and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is granted a rating of 20 percent, PTSD, MDD, and GAD are granted service connection, and sleep apnea is also granted. The right leg (knee), neck, and right ankle disorders remain pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, and a spinal disability due to outstanding records and the need for medical opinions.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has not been received to readjudicate the Veteran's service connection claims for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, left shoulder disability, and acquired psychiatric disability. As such, these claims are denied.

The Board has determined that the VA Form 9 was timely filed in response to the March 27, 2017 Statement of the Case and therefore reinstates the underlying appeal for service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic upper back condition and chronic lower back condition, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not incurred during his active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a left ankle disability and denied an increased rating for the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability. The left ankle sprain is found to be related to service, while the back disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted, and he received a 40% disability rating for his lumbar strain starting from June 9, 2020. His left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) was granted a 20% disability rating effective from June 9, 2020. The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) received a 20% disability rating as well.

The Board denied service connection for RLE radiculopathy and lumbar spine disorder, finding no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and low back arthritis are all granted service connection based on continuity of symptomatology during or shortly after service.

The Veteran's left hip disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome.,Obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome and cervical spine degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for episodic lumbosacral strain with right side sciatica, bilateral hearing loss, and a compensable disability rating for tinea versicolor effective October 1, 2001. The December 2020 document was not considered a valid decision by VA.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for mild obstructive sleep apnea and a lumbar strain have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.