Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination of his lumbar conditions, including radiculopathy. The TDIU claim prior to May 26, 2021, remains on hold as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information on unreimbursed medical expenses and the need for a VA examination to assess the Veteran's physical and mental conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, left shoulder arthritis, and low back condition due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy have not been found to warrant a higher rating, with the exception of a temporary increase in rating since September 6, 2023.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for low back and right knee conditions, as well as an initial rating for left knee disability and TDIU. The Veteran's symptoms of pain in her right knee and back are being evaluated.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain was previously rated at 20 percent, but the RO reduced it to 10 percent effective July 1, 2020. The Board found that there was not material improvement and reinstated the 20 percent rating from July 1, 2020 to August 19, 2020.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and back disabilities, finding that there is no credible evidence to support these conditions began during or were aggravated by military service.

The petition to reopen a claim for service connection for memory loss was dismissed.,A new and material evidence has been received, allowing the reopening of a claim for service connection for a back disorder. Service connection is granted for degenerative arthritis of the spine.,Service connection is denied for residuals of frostbite as there is no diagnosis of such during or approximate to the current claim period.,The petition to reopen a claim for service connection for OSA was not addressed due to insufficient evidence, and remanded.,The petition to reopen a claim for service connection for HTN was not addressed due to insufficient evidence, and remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a spine disability due to insufficient rationale in the VA medical opinion and need for further development.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for issues of service connection and ratings for various conditions. The Board is remanding several cases for further development.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, heart disorder, cervical spine disorder, migraine headaches, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction (ED), left knee disorder (secondary to right knee disability), bilateral thumb disorders, bilateral index finger disorders, bilateral little finger disorders, bilateral middle finger disorders, bilateral ring finger disorders, bilateral shoulder disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities (secondary to lumbar spine disability), and bilateral elbow disorder are all being remanded for further examination and evidence collection.

The Board has denied service connection for right ear hearing loss due to the Veteran not having a current diagnosis of right ear hearing loss for VA purposes. The cervical neck, left shoulder, and lumbar disorder issues are remanded as additional evidence is needed.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his request for a hearing and the Board finds that he has satisfied all requirements to dismiss the issue.,Service connection is granted for right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and sciatica of both lower extremities secondary to lumbar spine strain. The Veteran will need further examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as he has not provided authorization for the release of his federal tax returns and additional information regarding his employment status during the appeal period.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine, finding that there is no credible evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected right ankle/foot disability and/or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) caused or aggravated his obesity, which in turn is claimed as a substantial factor in causing his back disability.

The Board denied service connection for heart disability, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), back disability, shoulder disability, and knee disability as there was no evidence of onset during or related to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability due to the lack of evidence showing chronic symptoms in service or within one year post-service, and no causal relationship between current conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint and disc disease, left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various musculoskeletal and sleep disorders, finding no current disability diagnoses in the record.

The Board has determined that the VA medical examination provided was inadequate and remands the case for further development.