Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Board found that the Veteran was not unemployable due to her service-connected disabilities prior to October 24, 2011. The evidence showed she had been employed in various positions and could perform sedentary employment despite her disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's service connection claims for a lower back condition, right knee condition, left knee condition, head laceration (also claimed as head trauma), and headaches due to inadequate VA examinations and missing medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's periods of active service, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA. The RO is instructed to gather this information and include it in the claims file.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for syncope, diabetes mellitus Type II (DM II), left upper extremity neuropathy, right upper extremity neuropathy, and a lumbar disability due to inadequate development of evidence. The appellant's service records show episodes of syncope during service and post-service, as well as DM II identified in 1988. The claims are now returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back condition, rib fracture residuals, and erectile dysfunction due to inadequate medical opinions in previous remands. Additional development is required.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease is rated at 40 percent, and a separate 20 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy was granted starting May 3, 2021. The Board also granted the Veteran TDIU from June 2, 2018 to January 19, 2021.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various foot and back conditions, as well as his claim for an increased rating for breast scars status post breast reduction, are not fully developed. The Veteran is advised to provide any private medical records or authorize VA to obtain them in order to support these claims.

The Veteran's back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted initial ratings of 20% each, effective March 5, 2009. A TDIU has also been granted from this date.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for various conditions are being remanded due to the need to obtain outstanding treatment records from TRICARE.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and missed VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected back disability with bilateral sciatica, and then readjudicate the TDIU claim.

The Board has found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to service, but more evidence is needed to determine if it is aggravated by other service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to potential issues with the Veteran's death status.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating for PTSD was denied as her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100% rating.,Service connection for headaches was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to military service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, uterine fibroids, and low back disability are all granted service connection. The rating for residuals of post-traumatic swan neck deformity in the right ring finger remains at noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for back, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran's MOS as a mechanic is cited as a potential factor.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives. The case is being returned for further development, including obtaining inpatient hospital records and line of duty investigation documentation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened due to new and material evidence. The claims for back disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, and lung condition are remanded for further development.