Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to service exposure to noise during active duty.,The Veteran's lower back condition, diagnosed as lumbosacral strain, is presumed to have started in service due to physical demands and a fall.

The Board has determined that the AOJ did not obtain all relevant evidence prior to the September 2020 rating decision, and thus remands are necessary for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, insomnia disorder, right knee arthritis, lumbosacral strain, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations of his arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome (low back pain), radiculopathy in the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy in the left lower extremity are dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various disabilities, including back pain, ankle joint pain, knee conditions, and wrist sprain. The evidence did not support granting higher ratings or establishing service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for lumbosacral strain and left knee condition due to inadequate examinations in determining service connection. The Veteran is entitled to additional VA examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to his military service, including injuries sustained during active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including VA treatment records, private treatment records, and opinions regarding toxic exposure risk activities (TERA).

The Board denied service connection for spinal stenosis and degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy as these conditions are not related to the Veteran's military service.,The Board also denied service connection for a brain injury with memory issues (brain injury) and balance problems.

The Board has denied service connection for hernia in pelvic region, left hip arthritis, and low back condition due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service. The case is remanded for further development regarding the low back condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims to re-establish service connection for his lower back condition, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and generalized anxiety disorder with major depressive disorder and insomnia due to lack of new and relevant evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only, as they do not involve physical loss or permanent loss of use of hands or feet.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric, lumbar spine, and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable as of April 15, 2014. Effective from that date, he is granted a TDIU and an increase in his rating for right ankle sprain with decreased reflexes.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's disability of the lumbar spine, finding that new evidence received after a previous denial supports this claim. The Veteran reported back pain during and since his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for tension headaches and lumbar strain are being remanded due to procedural issues with the January 2020 VA examination.

The Veteran's stents in his heart and leg are not related to service, as there is no evidence of such conditions during or after service. The claim for a compensable rating for residuals, umbilical hernia, was denied due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination without good cause.,The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for low back disability (claimed as low back pain) due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's low back disability is not rated higher than 20 percent due to the lack of forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, and no favorable ankylosis.,The Veteran's left knee disability is not rated higher than 10 percent due to the absence of limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbosacral strain and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence, including missing treatment records from the Appellant's period of active duty training. The issues are inextricably intertwined as they both relate to a common event on June 16, 1994.

Your increased rating claim for left knee disability and service connection claim for lumbar spine disability have been fully granted, so there is no case or controversy remaining.