Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Board has granted a TDIU from October 19, 2010 to September 29, 2011 due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, including osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and cervical radiculopathy, was not incurred in or caused by service.,Right upper extremity radiculopathy and left upper extremity radiculopathy were also not caused or aggravated by the Veteran's cervical spine disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for PTSD, increased ratings for stress fractures, and back condition have been dismissed as moot due to prior grants of service connection. The appeal for PTSD was not granted because the claimed in-service stressor could not be verified.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to deficiencies in the VA examinations and failure to consider certain evidence. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of lumbar spine with DDD L4-5, L5-S1 was granted a disability rating of 10 percent effective July 17, 2017. The claim for an increased rating prior to June 20, 2023, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter is denied.

The Board has denied an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome due to the absence of evidence supporting more than moderate incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is remanded as a retrospective medical opinion is needed to assess functional loss during flare-ups and estimate additional range of motion loss.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for RSD is remanded as VA has not provided an examination.

The Veteran's right knee scar is granted a 10% rating prior to September 25, 2018. The remaining issues are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, finding that the Veteran's current disability is not related to his active-duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his thoracolumbar spine disability, service connection for a hip disorder as secondary to his thoracolumbar spine disability, and TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The AOJ is instructed to obtain updated VA treatment records, assist with the Veteran's claim of entitlement to TDIU, schedule the Veteran for a VA thoracolumbar spine examination, and provide a VA hip disorder examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition has been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,Service connection for flat feet and knee conditions are remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for fatigue due to Gulf War Syndrome, reopening of the claim for a lumbar spine disability, and reopening of the claim for migraines. Additional evidence was added since the last decision but not reviewed by the RO. The Veteran's Fort Belvoir treatment records are also needed.

The Board dismissed all service connection claims for various shoulder, wrist, ankle, and spine disorders. The claim for a headache disorder was reopened based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran. Secondary service connection was granted for migraine headaches related to PTSD. Service connection was established for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, finding that both conditions are at least as likely as not caused by the Veteran's active duty service. The claimant's significant exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam is considered relevant evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for thoracolumbar spine condition, including as secondary to her service-connected bilateral knee or hip disabilities. The case is being returned for further development and consideration of a nexus between the Veteran's military service and her current back condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and bilateral knee condition due to insufficient medical opinions. The issues are being returned for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 25, 2012, finding that it is not factually ascertainable that he became unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities in the year prior to filing his claim.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been assigned the maximum schedular rating available. The claims for service connection and increased ratings for various disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected psychiatric disorder and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease from December 5, 2016 due to outstanding VA medical records not being available in the claims file.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD and denied service connection for left ear hearing loss, asthma, Crohn's disease, and a back disability. The claim of entitlement to service connection for a heart condition is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, bilateral foot, and low back conditions due to inadequate development in prior VA medical opinions.