Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the cases due to procedural issues and the need for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and remands for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disability and whether it clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives and a need for another VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an earlier effective date for the 40 percent rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused him to be in need of regular aid and assistance, leading to a grant of special month compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and a right knee disability, finding that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether these conditions had their onset during active service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a current disability for service connection of bilateral hearing loss. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded due to insufficient evidence and need further development.

The Board has remanded several claims, including service connection for TBI and its associated conditions, dyspnea, hypertension, low back disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. Updated VA treatment records are needed, as is a comprehensive examination to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied from November 27, 2012 due to his full-time employment at VA and the Department of the Navy. Despite having a combined disability rating of 80%, he maintained substantial gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD and an increased rating for his thoracolumbar strain with degenerative arthritis due to inadequate examination reports and missing VA treatment records.

The Veteran's cervical strain and lumbosacral strain have been granted service connection. Other conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's low back disability, including a higher rating and initial ratings for radiculopathy of the lower extremities and a neurogenic bladder disability. The Veteran is also seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of a separate compensable rating for his neurogenic bladder disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar disability, to include as secondary to her service-connected bilateral knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and instability, is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lower back, neck, left knee, and right knee conditions due to failure of the Veteran to contact VA for requested examinations.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is rated at 40 percent effective August 1, 2022.,Ratings for right and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy were denied prior to August 1, 2022. Ratings of 20 percent are granted beginning on August 1, 2022.,Ratings for right and left lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy were denied prior to August 1, 2022. Ratings of 20 percent are granted beginning on August 1, 2022.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, left shoulder disability, lumbar spine disability, and left ankle disability due to incomplete records. The AOJ is instructed to attempt to obtain all relevant service treatment and personnel records from the Veteran's active duty service and Army National Guard/Army Reserve.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and bilateral knee injury residuals, finding that there is no evidence of current disabilities related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations, consideration of extraschedular evaluations, and development of the TDIU claim.

The Board has dismissed all claims related to increased ratings and effective dates for various knee, back, and shoulder conditions due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability and right foot plantar fasciitis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to her military service.,Specifically, the Board determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine condition is due to an in-service injury, while her right foot plantar fasciitis is secondary to her left foot plantar fasciitis.