Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back condition, finding that there was no evidence of chronic arthritis within one year post-service and insufficient continuity of symptoms to establish a nexus with active duty.

The Board has found that there is a pre-decisional duty to assist error in the lumbar spine and radiculopathy claims, requiring remand. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased disability ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background, as he had administrative experience in the military.

The Veteran's left ankle, left hip, lower back, and right ankle conditions are found to be service-connected due to aggravation of preexisting conditions during active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral knee conditions and service connection for a back condition are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for IVDS, functional diarrhea, face scars, LLE radiculopathy associated with lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome (LLE radiculopathy), and hypertension. The Veteran's claims were based on a March 1, 2024, intent to file form.,The Board also denied an earlier effective date for eligibility for Dependents' Assistance under 38 USC chapter 35 (DEA).

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine and right hip disabilities, but has remanded the remaining claims due to insufficient evidence.

The Board dismissed the appeals for low back disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's low back disability was restored to a 40 percent rating, and the right knee and TBI residuals ratings were remanded for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and hemorrhoids, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lower back condition, specifically whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of October 12, 2021 for the Veteran's entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating, finding no CUE in the April 2016 decision.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether his current condition is related to service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but has remanded the issue of service connection for back disability due to potential aggravation by service-connected left knee and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 80 percent, which is the maximum rating available. The Veteran's tinnitus has been assigned a 10 percent rating, which is also the maximum rating.,Service connection for back disability, headaches disability, insomnia disability, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability are remanded due to missing private medical records.

The Veteran's OSA is caused or worsened by his service-connected DDD, and the Board has granted service connection for OSA as secondary to DDD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of these conditions during active duty. The VA is required to provide an adequate opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's back and neck disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, heart disability, right and left clavicle disabilities, back disability, right upper extremity non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy as these conditions are not related to service.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims of service connection for a back condition, neck condition, left shoulder condition, and right shoulder condition due to in-service noise exposure. The decision also found that the Veteran's pre-existing back condition was not aggravated by active service.