Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and for various other disabilities. The decision also denies ratings in excess of those currently assigned.

The Veteran's disability ratings for lumbar spine DJD, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, and bilateral hip osteoarthritis with limitation of extension were restored to their previous levels due to improper reduction.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, including degenerative disc disease, has been reopened. The Board finds new and material evidence to support the reopening of the claim but remands it for further development as an additional VA examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine, left hip, and right hip disabilities due to incomplete development and lack of adequate medical nexus opinions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred during or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations did not adequately address the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection of his low back, bilateral hip, and left knee disabilities. The case is being remanded to obtain additional opinions from VA examiners.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his requests through his representative in January 2022.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus has also been dismissed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions from previous VA examiners and a need for new evidence. The Veteran's lay reports of back pain since service are not properly considered in the current opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, venous ulcers, and acquired psychiatric disability as these conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain adequate VA opinions regarding the Veteran's right foot hammer toes, lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea and low back disability has been reopened, but the claims are still pending as new evidence did not establish a current disability or link to service.,The Veteran's claim for chronic sinusitis is being remanded due to its potential secondary relationship with his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board found that the left knee disability was rated appropriately, but the right knee disability required further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that his current condition is not etiologically related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is related to his in-service fall and consistent use over time, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a sleep disorder and back disability due to new evidence added to the file since the last Statement of the Case. The VA will conduct further examinations and provide medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and service, including consideration of Gulf War exposure.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to March 2, 2020. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other factors.

The Veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied service connection for back condition is granted. The Board has remanded the cases of residuals of left buttock hematoma, right knee condition, and left knee condition due to additional development being required.

The claims of service connection for various disabilities, including right ear hearing loss, low back disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and a right ankle disability are being reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The VA has ordered additional examinations for left ear hearing loss and potential service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, all of a common etiology, have rendered him unemployable from performing all forms of substantially gainful employment that are consistent with his education and occupational experience since April 3, 2021. The Board is granting TDIU effective April 3, 2021, but remanding the issues for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder secondary to his bilateral foot disability, rating in excess of 30 percent prior to April 13, 2023, and total disability rating due to individual unemployability. The remand requires additional medical opinions on causation and aggravation of the back disorder, as well as a retrospective evaluation of the Veteran's bilateral foot disability.