Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and did not readjudicate the claim of an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for cervical degenerative disc disease with neck strain due to lack of new and relevant evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection due to finality of prior decisions and lack of new and relevant evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, low back disorder, allergic rhinitis, and chronic bronchitis have all been denied.,There is no evidence of a current disability in any of these conditions. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection as there was no showing of a disease or injury during service, continuous symptoms since service, or a nexus to service.

The Board has granted eligibility for attorney fees based on the past-due benefits awarded in the October 7, 2020 rating decision due to a valid fee agreement and timely filing with VA.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer residuals, sleep apnea, and lumbar spine degenerative changes, rendered him unable to secure substantially gainful employment prior to August 10, 2022. Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 is also established.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to service connection for various conditions, with some issues being remanded and others having their decisions left pending further development.,No effective date earlier than May 25, 2021 was granted for the adjustment disorder with anxiety.

The Board has granted service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and denied the claims for increased ratings for acquired psychiatric disorder, back disability, and left knee disability. The appeal is granted in part.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantial gainful employment prior to April 15, 2011.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal concerning several service connection and rating issues, including for tension headaches, bilateral pes planus, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, cervical spine strain with degenerative disc disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, left ankle fracture, right ankle fracture, and thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis and intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection and increased rating claims, so the cases are dismissed.

The Veteran's dermatitis is granted as service-connected due to exposure from environmental hazards in Southwest Asia during military service.,The Veteran's voiding dysfunction condition is denied as not related to her service-connected PTSD and obesity, with no aggravation by obesity.,The bilateral hip condition, right ankle condition, and lumbar spine condition are remanded for further examination to determine if they are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and obesity.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) due to a lack of adequate examination considering flare-ups.

The Veteran's death was not caused by or related to his service-connected disabilities. The appellant is denied DIC benefits, survivors pension benefits, and accrued benefits.

The Veteran's service connection claims for recurrent right lobe pulmonary granulomas, lumbar spine spondylosis (arthritis) and scoliosis are granted. The claim for a recurrent left shoulder disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's service-connected disabilities to his cardiorespiratory arrest.

The Board has granted service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA under Chapter 35 were denied as the evidence does not support a finding that he was employed full-time prior to September 2, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for his service-connected back disability has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left hip strain and lumbar strain have been denied. The left hip strain claim has not met the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes, while the lumbar strain claim remains at 20%.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities are secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability, granting service connection for these conditions.