Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes. The claims for low back, left and right hip, as well as left and right ankle disabilities are remanded due to insufficient medical nexus opinions regarding their relationship to service-connected conditions. The claim for right lower extremity nerve condition (claimed as pain, numbness, and tingling) is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding no evidence linking current conditions to the Veteran's in-service treatment. The lumbar spine disorder was also not granted service connection.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity (musculocutaneous) is granted at a 10 percent rating. The other conditions remain denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine disability, finding that new evidence submitted since the prior denial supports a determination of service connection. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible lay statements and VA treatment records indicating continuous back symptoms since an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obesity is dismissed as a matter of law. The Board also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a thoracolumbar disability has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his claim by his authorized representative.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a low back disability due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The claims for right and left shoulder disabilities are granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine condition was denied in September 1987, and the decision became final. The Veteran submitted a new claim to reopen this issue on December 20, 2019, which resulted in the grant of service connection effective from December 20, 2019. An earlier effective date is not warranted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and migraines, finding that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and his in-service fall from a flatbed truck.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and a rating of 70 percent for his PTSD, finding that both conditions are related to active-duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in physical impairment requiring regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on two conditions (neck and back) has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates for the Veteran's service connection and increased ratings, including a 20% evaluation for lumbar IVDS with lumbar spondylosis, a 40% evaluation for neurogenic bladder, and 10% evaluations for radiculopathy of both lower extremities.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations for the lumbosacral disability were inadequate and remanded. The Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral feet, ankles, and knees are also remanded due to inadequate VA opinions regarding functional impairment.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to a duty to assist error that occurred prior to the April 2022 decision on appeal. The Board must associate copies of all relevant private treatment records from VistA with the claims file.

The reduction of the rating for lumbar strain from 20 percent to 10 percent was improper, and a 20 percent rating is restored.

The Veteran's asthma and tinnitus were not granted service connection due to lack of evidence showing they began during or immediately after his military service.,Service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no credible evidence linking the disability to service. The Veteran did not provide any medical records supporting this claim.

The Board has denied service connection for low back strain with mild degenerative changes, and the Veteran's blackout spells (syncope) are being remanded. Service connection for migraine headaches is also being remanded.,Service connection for low back strain was denied due to a lack of evidence linking the current condition to an in-service injury or disease. The Board found that the Veteran's current back pain is more likely related to obesity, age, and deconditioning.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for a back condition requires additional development due to duty-to-assist errors, including obtaining records from chiropractors and an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type II, high blood pressure, right knee disorder, and lumbar disorder due to inadequate medical opinions in the original decision. The Veteran's service connection claims are being returned for further development.