Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the claims for multiple sebaceous and pilonidal cysts, lower back disability (including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine), myalgia (including as secondary to a lower back disability), and bilateral hearing loss due to additional evidence being developed by VA. The PACT Act may also require further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and evaluation due to the need for updated medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's claims for lumbosacral spine and right lower extremity sciatica disabilities have been dismissed as they were fully granted in a previous rating decision. The claim to reopen his thoracic spine disability has been granted, but the case is remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back, left knee, and right knee conditions, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service due to parachute jumps during service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a stomach disability has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.,Service connection for sleep apnea is reopened due to new and material evidence being received, but the claim remains pending as further remand is required.

The appeal for service connection was dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for DIC benefits based on service connection for the Veteran's cause of death, finding that his service-connected PTSD contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed as the benefit was already granted in full.,Service connection for high blood pressure is denied because there is no probative evidence linking it to active service, a period of inactive duty training (IDT), or an injury during a period of active duty for training (ADT).,The Veteran's claim for right eye vision loss due to welding exposure during his military service remains pending and must be remanded.,Service connection for the right knee disability is denied as there is no evidence linking it to active service, a period of inactive duty training (IDT), or an injury during a period of active duty for training (ADT).,The Veteran's claim for left knee disability remains pending and must be remanded.,Service connection for the lower lumbar back injury with multiple surgeries is denied as there is no evidence linking it to active service, a period of inactive duty training (IDT), or an injury during a period of active duty for training (ADT).

The Board has granted service connection for unspecified depressive disorder and dismissed the appeal of service connection for toxic chemical exposure. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The evidence does not support the Veteran's claims of a bilateral foot, ankle, lower extremity radiculopathy, back, shoulder, or left knee condition as being related to service.,There is no current disability found for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to sustain gainful employment effective June 1, 2009. The Board finds that the criteria for TDIU are met and grants the claim.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for right knee strain and a right knee surgical scar have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of entitlement to higher ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis is now rated at 40 percent from June 30, 2021. His right lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted a 20 percent rating since May 5, 2021.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary for the Veteran's back disability, lower extremity radiculopathy, neck disability, ankle disabilities, hearing loss, tinnitus, and headache disability due to potential service connection issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's post traumatic vascular headaches have been restored to a 10 percent rating from December 21, 2018.,The claims for reopening the service connection for psoriasis and skin condition (secondary to sexual trauma or exposure to depleted uranium) are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for lipoma excision scar, right posterior neck and reopening of the lumbosacral strain claim are remanded. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder, hypertension, headaches, and acquired mental disorder are all found to be related to service.,Special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another is granted.