Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbar IVDS and associated lower extremity radicular disabilities, as well as his claim for TDIU, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand and left hand carpal tunnel syndrome have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU has also been remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the above issues.

The Board denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability, right knee disability, and bilateral pes planus (claimed bilateral foot pain) as the evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.,There is no direct evidence linking any of these disabilities to service. The Veteran's preexisting conditions were not shown to be aggravated during his period of active duty.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for service connection for a low back disability, left knee contusion residuals, and a chronic eye disability (teary eyes, vision condition). The claim for service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including back and knee conditions, achilles tendonitis, and sinusitis, have precluded her from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to March 26, 2020. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise that these disabilities prevented her from working.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for low back strain with degenerative spurring was denied as the Veteran missed two scheduled VA examinations without providing good cause.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine status-post fusion and TDIU due to inadequate examination reports and changes in rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the claimed conditions. The Veteran's testimony and medical records indicate that these conditions are likely related to her periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA).

The Board has granted service connection for low back disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, left foot disorder, and right foot disorder effective from April 1, 2017.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for right shoulder, left elbow, bilateral ankle, bilateral knee, cervical spine, and thoracolumbar spine disabilities due to incomplete consideration of the Veteran's credible testimony regarding in-service injuries and continued symptoms after separation from service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to his death, and if his cardiovascular disease was related to military service exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip and low back disabilities have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed regarding whether these conditions are related to his active service.,The Veteran also seeks increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, as well as a TDIU based on his bilateral knee disabilities.

PTSD and COPD have been granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure during service. Left knee degenerative arthritis and lumbar degenerative disc disease have also been granted.,Right knee issues, including limitation of flexion, extension, lateral instability, and partial removal of semilunar cartilage, are all granted.

The claim for service connection for a back disorder, claimed as myofascial back pain, has been reopened. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations.

The Board has found that the claims of service connection for left shoulder, left knee, and low back disabilities need to be remanded due to new evidence being added by VA. The Veteran will have an opportunity to respond with a waiver or request review by the RO.

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

The Veteran's claim for PTSD is granted, as there is evidence of a current diagnosis related to an in-service stressor.,The Veteran's claims for fatigue, cervical spine condition, thoracolumbar spine condition, and major depressive disorder are remanded due to insufficient medical examination or evaluation.,Verification of Southwest Asia service may be required for the Gulf War illness provisions.,Gulf War illness provisions apply if verified service in Southwest Asia is confirmed.