Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable disability rating are being remanded due to outstanding medical records, the need for VA examinations, and the requirement of TERA examinations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left hip disability and remanded his claims for thoracolumbar strain, acquired psychiatric disabilities, and OSA.,Service connection was not granted for left hip disability due to lack of evidence showing a current disability or association with service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's reports of back pain since service.

The Board has dismissed the claims for hypertension and atrial fibrillation as the Veteran withdrew his appeal. The remaining issues of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression; back disability; numbness in hand; and loss of feeling in foot are remanded.

The Veteran's initial ratings for thoracolumbar spine scoliosis with osteoarthritis and left shoulder bursitis prior to June 21, 2023 were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbar spine disability, and OSA, render them unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claims have been remanded for further development, including obtaining VA examination reports and medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to October 28, 2022 is remanded due to the need for additional development and referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for a back disorder and its aggravation by service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran was granted an initial 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain, status post L5 discectomy from February 29, 2016, to August 16, 2020.,An initial 40 percent rating for IVDS (intervertebral disc syndrome), status post L5 discectomy was granted from August 17, 2020, to March 23, 2022. The Veteran's condition required bed rest of at least four weeks but less than six weeks during the past twelve months.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence showing that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded three claims: service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, migraine headaches, and a brain tumor. The Veteran's lumbar pain is believed to have developed in-service due to heavy file cabinet manipulation. Her migraines are thought to be related to service exposure to radiation as an x-ray technician. The brain tumor may be linked to her in-service radiation exposure.

The Board has denied service connection for a right ankle condition, left ankle condition, low back or lumbar spine condition, and residuals of an upper left facial fracture with headaches and vertigo. Service connection was granted for bilateral ear condition (to include hearing loss).,Service connection was not established for any of the conditions listed due to lack of evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of right kidney, lumbar spine, and stomach disabilities have been granted. However, his claim for a compensable rating for the service-connected left ankle surgical scar remains denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for SOB, headaches disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and left ankle and left knee disorders due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly assess the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his daily life. The Veteran will be provided with new VA examinations for his cervical spine, lumbar spine, PTSD, migraine headaches, bilateral foot disability, scar of the right hand long finger, penile disorder, and sleep apnea.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for neck condition, back condition, and bilateral upper extremity cervical radiculopathy due to incomplete records. The Veteran's testimony indicates he began treatment in 2005, but VA treatment records are missing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbosacral strain, separate and apart from the service-connected thoracic spine disability was denied. The Board also found that the issue of an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a thoracic spine disability is still pending.,The Veteran has appealed both issues, resulting in a mixed disposition where some aspects are granted (service connection) and others are not (effective date).

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and lumbosacral strain as the evidence did not show a nexus to service or secondary to a service-connected disability.