Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and lumbar spine disability were granted with effective dates of August 4, 2016. The Board found that the original intent to file was received on this date.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's Parkinson's disease, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and his military service. The issues of CFS, degenerative disc disease with muscle spasm and stiffness, loss of smell (Hyposmia), unspecified neurocognitive disorder, and dysequilibrium are also remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the Parkinson's disease appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for thoracolumbar strain with degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine was denied, while he received a 10 percent evaluation for left hamstring strain.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of March 2, 2016 for the award of a 40 percent disability rating for lumbosacral strain.,The Veteran's initial claim for increased left ankle collateral ligament sprain was denied as his disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The Board found that a higher rating is warranted for bilateral hearing loss, but denied earlier effective dates for service connection of tinnitus and BHL.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating issues related to psychiatric disability, low back disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and left thumb disability. The Veteran's disabilities are being examined again to determine their etiology and severity.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered her in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to procedural errors and a need for additional evidence, specifically an examination report that does not cover the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's migraines, bilateral knee condition, lumbar spine disorder to include lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc space narrowing (lumbar strain), IBS, and erectile dysfunction were not found to be related to service.,Service connection was denied for all claimed conditions.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, but denied SMC at the housebound rate as he does not meet the criteria.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to reopen claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right knee disability, left knee disability, low back disability, PTSD, and anxiety. The claims are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are found to be related to service, while the back condition is not. The appeal for service connection for the back condition is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss disability, right ear hearing loss disability, and lumbar spine disability due to duty-to-assist errors prior to the AOJ decisions. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is being reviewed again as there may be a need to consider evidence submitted after the August 2021 decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional examination and opinion regarding the extent of functional loss.

The Board has readjudicated the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, but denied the claims for service connection for respiratory problems (rhinitis and sinusitis), headaches, a foot condition, and a back condition.,Service connection was granted for sleep apnea, but the other issues remain denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability, right ankle strain, and lumbosacral strain on a direct basis. The decision is based on credible lay evidence rather than complete medical opinions.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 22, 2020 for the award of service connection for lumbosacral strain and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's claims were previously denied in March 2017 but reopened in October 2016. The Board found that the evidence supported a finding of disability prior to January 22, 2020.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion and a failure to consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding his neck pain.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, requiring an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's low back disability. The issues include determining if the condition is congenital or acquired during service and whether it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal. The Board cannot issue a decision on the underlying claims at this time.