Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate previous opinions.

The Board has determined that the most recent VA examinations are inadequate and remands for further examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The claims will be readjudicated after obtaining any outstanding relevant records.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is rated at 20 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or neurological impairment. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in disability rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.,There is no evidence of an eye disorder related to service exposure. The Veteran's current eye conditions are more likely due to aging.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of a research article and the Veteran's reports of back pain since service. An addendum opinion is needed from an appropriate medical professional.

The February 28, 1975 rating decision was found to be clearly and unmistakably erroneous in denying service connection for lumbosacral strain with associated neuritis. The Veteran's back condition is presumed to have existed prior to service.

The Board has dismissed all claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating of his right knee, right ankle, and lumbosacral strain disabilities have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for a low back condition and a bilateral foot condition, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to service or any other compensable conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. Effective dates earlier than June 30, 2017, are not warranted.,Service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus is granted with effective date of June 30, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for their service-connected psychiatric disability was denied. The Board also remanded the cases regarding their lumbar and cervical spine disabilities due to inadequate examination reports.

The Veteran's lumbosacral disability is granted as it is linked to an in-service injury.,The Veteran's cervical disability is granted as it is related to the in-service fall he reported.,The Veteran's bladder disability is granted as it is secondary to his service-connected right nephrectomy and left kidney cystic changes.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's lumbosacral strain is related to service or a service-connected condition. The VA examiner needs to provide an opinion on both direct and secondary theories of service connection.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development of his National Guard and Reserve service records. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant personnel and medical records, including those from the Texas and New Jersey National Guards and Army Reserves.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed low back disability, including a lack of medical records from his service and post-service treatment. The Veteran will need to provide additional information for VA to obtain relevant private medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spondylosis, PTSD, insomnia, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, right shoulder arthritis and impingement syndrome, left heel spur, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment since July 1, 2022. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has dismissed all pending appeals due to the Veteran's attorney requesting withdrawal of all appeals.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for a new medical opinion regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence did not show ankylosis or functional equivalent thereof.