Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has found that the Veteran's left knee strain, back condition, and left hip condition are secondary to his service-connected right knee replacement. The claims for these conditions have been remanded due to the need for VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU, finding that it is not factually ascertainable that his service-connected conditions rendered him unemployable prior to September 23, 2016.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right wrist and back conditions due to a lack of a VA examination, as these conditions may be related to service. The Veteran's motor vehicle accidents during in-service training are considered part of his active duty.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy are granted service connection. The Veteran's hypertension and abdominal hernia claims are remanded for further development, as is his claim for an increased rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of TBI have been found to necessitate a higher level of aid and attendance, warranting SMC(t) from January 6, 2015.

The Veteran's pancreatitis status post cholecystectomy is rated at a 30 percent disability rating since December 31, 2013.,The claims for increased ratings of right lower extremity radiculopathy and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with IVDS are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for service connection on the left shoulder, cervical spine, right wrist, and TBI have been denied.,The May 2021 rating decision was found to contain CUE in assigning initial ratings of 20% for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist and elbow, as well as for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder, left shoulder, and back conditions have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chondromalacia of the patella, degenerative changes in the lumbar spine, and degenerative changes in the cervical spine have been granted. The Board found that these conditions are causally related to his military duties.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical evidence and missing records. The Veteran's lay statements will be considered, and VA examinations will be conducted to determine the etiology of his conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for sinusitis and remanded the claims of low back, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted regarding the Veteran's low back disability and right knee disability. The claims are being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroenteritis, left ear injury pain, left knee injury pain, left thumb injury pain, lumbar spine injury pain, and right great toe injury pain as there is no current diagnosis related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates prior to December 31, 2013 were denied as there was no evidence of an informal or formal claim filed before that date.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left and right wrist cysts, neck disorder, back disorder, right arm and elbow nerve disorder, and hepatitis B are remanded due to the need for additional records and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neck and back disabilities due to insufficient development.,The Veteran's hypertension claim is also intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's lumbar spine and right knee disabilities have been granted service connection.,A compensable rating for bilateral tinea pedis prior to April 15, 2016 has been denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine and pilonidal cyst are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis was granted a 40 percent rating from February 5, 2010 to October 2, 2014. From October 2, 2014 to May 19, 2015, the Veteran's disability remained at 40 percent. However, from July 1, 2015 onwards, a higher rating was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip pain with reduced range of motion, which is found to be due to the Veteran's service-connected sacroiliitis. The other issues are remanded.