Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a neck condition, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against the claim.,The Board also denied service connection for a low back condition, concluding that the preponderance of evidence does not support the claim.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied. The Board found the evidence did not meet the criteria for service connection.,For her back disability, the Veteran is seeking a higher rating but the evidence does not support an increase beyond 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives regarding the severity of his lumbar spine disability, specifically addressing functional impairment during flare-ups and whether such approximates or constitutes ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a low back disability, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD to allow for further development of evidence.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and records in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, thoracic spine disability, and lumbar spine (low back) disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to deficiencies in a VA examination and incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and earlier effective date for service connection of his back disability was denied. The rating for the lower spine prior to September 29, 2020 is denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to missing medical records and a need for clarification from the Veteran regarding her military status on the date of a letter submitted in 2013.

The Board has remanded the claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerves, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerves, and intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings on multiple service-connected disabilities has been dismissed due to withdrawal of claims by the Veteran and his attorney.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings are denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar spine, right hip, and left hip disabilities due to gait changes caused by service-connected varicose veins. The remand requires additional medical opinions addressing whether these conditions were caused or aggravated by the service-connected varicose veins.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and type II diabetes mellitus were not incurred in service, and the Board denied these claims.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hernia or low back disorder that is related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial. The claims of increased evaluations for lumbar spine and right knee disabilities remain on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and bilateral flat feet (pes planus), finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of left and right ankle disabilities, as well as a lumbosacral strain with DJD Lumbosacral Spine. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability. A VA medical opinion is needed to address this issue.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder and degenerative arthritis of the spine due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions. The VA is required to obtain addendum medical opinions addressing whether the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his service.

The Veteran's PTSD, hypertension, and OSA have been granted service connection. The remaining issues are being remanded for further development.,Service connection has been established for PTSD, hypertension, and OSA based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence from earlier periods of service. The Appellant's current disabilities are being reviewed based on the available records.