Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding PTSD and the lower back disability, resulting in their dismissal.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and bilateral plantar fasciitis disabilities have been rated, but the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted for either condition.,For her lumbosacral strain prior to June 12, 2023, the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees or combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the Veteran's current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for histoplasmosis, PTSD and depressive disorder are dismissed.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus and erectile dysfunction as secondary to a service-connected psychiatric condition. Service connection is denied for the lumbar spine disorder and pes planus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to unclear evidence regarding his liver disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, type II diabetes, and back disability. The claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to incomplete records, particularly private primary care records from 2015 onwards.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional verification of his identity and periods of active service is needed before the issues can be addressed on their merits.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to May 28, 2021 was denied. The Board found that the audiometric results showed a level of hearing loss compatible with a noncompensable rating.,For the period after May 28, 2021, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

Service connection for hypertension is granted under the PACT Act. Service connection for sleep apnea is granted. Previously denied claims for left and right knee disabilities, as well as sinusitis, are reopened. Other rating issues remain pending.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, low back disorder, depression, knee disorders, foot disorders, and ankle disorders have been dismissed as the Veteran opted into the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) by submitting a VA Form 10182 within 60 days of receiving a Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are caused and aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. The Board has granted the claim for service connection, but the effective date of the TDIU is remanded due to insufficient clinical evidence.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and updated VA treatment records. The Veteran will also be scheduled for a VA examination to assess his service-connected psychiatric disorder and lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to inadequate development of evidence, including the need for retrospective opinions and VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for left clavicle fracture and service connection for an upper back condition are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

This decision dismisses the Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae. The Veteran's tinnitus and headaches are granted service connection, but his left ear hearing loss, depressive disorder with anxiety, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and scar on the head remain remanded for further development.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure. Headaches are also granted as related to an in-service fall.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with bilateral sacroiliitis is remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional examination.

The Board has granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities. The issue of a higher rating for bilateral multifocal lens implants is remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to insufficient development of the record.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's right knee and right shoulder disabilities are remanded due to incomplete service treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and opinions. The Veteran's right knee, back, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and sleep apnea are all in question.