Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his low back condition is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, back disorder (claimed as thoracic spine disorder), right shoulder disorder, residuals of a head injury, BUE numbness, and BLE numbness. The claims were reopened due to new and material evidence received since the final denial in 2010.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back disability have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to May 9, 2023 and 40 percent after that date.

The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease and spondylosis, as well as obstructive sleep apnea, both of which are deemed to have originated during active service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a low back condition. The claim for service connection for a bilateral eye condition was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for high blood pressure was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to promulgation of a decision. The appeals for sleep apnea, respiratory disability, psychiatric disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, back disability, and shin splints are remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability may be related to service, but more evidence is needed to determine this. The case is being sent back for further investigation and a medical opinion.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection of right and left ankle disabilities, but denied these claims due to lack of current diagnoses. The claim for low back condition was also denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD and prostate cancer residuals are rated at 40 percent, effective from July 28, 2023. The rating for the prostate cancer was previously granted prior to this date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have increased in severity since the last VA examinations. The Board has decided to remand these issues for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings for TBI-related migraine headaches, left knee disability, and low back disability have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings has been withdrawn and dismissed. The issues of unspecified anxiety disorder, unspecified depressive disorder, IVDS (neck), lumbar spine disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity sciatic radulopathy, and right lower extremity sciatic radulopathy remain on appeal.

The Veteran's lower back disorder is currently rated at 40 percent, the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for bilateral hearing condition was reopened, but the claim remains denied as there is no causal relationship between the Veteran's current hearing loss and his military service.

The Veteran's neck disability and carpal tunnel syndromes were rated, with some issues remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a low back disorder due to incomplete VA treatment records and unlocated service records. The Veteran's complete service records, including STRs, reserve records, and military personnel records, are unavailable.

The Veteran's representative withdrew his service connection claims for right hip disorder and low back disorder before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the lower extremities has been denied. The case is being remanded to consider a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The reduction in the disability ratings for lumbosacral strain, left patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right patellofemoral pain syndrome was not proper, and the original ratings are restored.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, all over body pain, hair loss, PTSD, trapezius strain, asthma, hemorrhoids, anemia, TDIU, and SMC are remanded.