Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates prior to December 31, 2013 were denied as there was no evidence of an informal or formal claim filed before that date.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left and right wrist cysts, neck disorder, back disorder, right arm and elbow nerve disorder, and hepatitis B are remanded due to the need for additional records and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neck and back disabilities due to insufficient development.,The Veteran's hypertension claim is also intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's lumbar spine and right knee disabilities have been granted service connection.,A compensable rating for bilateral tinea pedis prior to April 15, 2016 has been denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine and pilonidal cyst are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis was granted a 40 percent rating from February 5, 2010 to October 2, 2014. From October 2, 2014 to May 19, 2015, the Veteran's disability remained at 40 percent. However, from July 1, 2015 onwards, a higher rating was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip pain with reduced range of motion, which is found to be due to the Veteran's service-connected sacroiliitis. The other issues are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a thoracic lumbar spine disability, to include degenerative disc disease and IVDS, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated by military service.

The Board denied service connection for neck, back, left shoulder, and bilateral thumb disabilities as there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease that could be linked to the current conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's vertigo secondary to his service-connected tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's right elbow disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity finger and/or hand disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder (GERD) is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's hernia is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's hypertension to include as due to Camp Lejeune service is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increases in ratings and TDIU due to issues with his back, neck, and extremity radiculopathy. The case must be returned after compliance with all prior directives.

The Veteran's hemorrhoidectomy residuals are granted a 20 percent rating throughout the period on appeal.,His coronary artery disease is found to be caused by his service-connected sleep apnea disorder, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lower back and left knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to properly assess the Veteran's lumbosacral strain and remands the case for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA examinations and an addendum opinion. The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, but his lumbar spine condition is rated at 40 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lower back disability, finding no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions, including BPH, basal cell carcinoma, diverticulosis, fibromyalgia, lumbar spine disability, diabetes mellitus, and neurological disabilities of the lower and upper extremities, were denied as not supported by service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple issues has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his infertility claim. The remaining claims have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 30 percent for a left ankle disability, service connection for psychiatric, low back, left knee, and right ankle disabilities as secondary to the service-connected left ankle disability, and TDIU. The Veteran is required to provide VA with any outstanding private treatment records related to her claims and to complete forms for tax returns.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy is dismissed. A TDIU is granted, effective September 19, 2016.