Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition, but the claims for left shoulder and cervical spine conditions are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, finding that the Veteran experienced chronic symptoms during service and since separation. The decision is based on presumptive service connection due to a combination of in-service injuries and continuous post-service pain.

The Board has determined that there were pre-decisional duty to assist errors in the failure to schedule the Veteran for examinations related to his back condition and tinnitus. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for a low back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional private treatment records.

The Veteran withdrew their service connection claims for multiple conditions, including left knee, left ankle, sciatic nerve, right knee, back, and right ankle conditions. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as multi-level degenerative disc disease with spondylosis and lumbosacral strain. The appeal regarding Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD was granted effective September 17, 2020, which also established his need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for an earlier effective date and increased rating for degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic), and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic) due to inadequate VA examination reports. A new examination is required.

The Board has decided to remand both claims for additional development and consideration. The Veteran's initial rating claim for lumbar degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors, specifically the failure to obtain SSA disability benefits records and VA treatment records. The TDIU claim prior to February 16, 2012 is also being remanded as it was reasonably raised by the record but not developed by the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to his military service and remands for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error that occurred prior to the November 2020 rating decision. The issue of service connection for a lumbosacral spine disorder is now pending and will be addressed with a new VA medical opinion.

The Board denied a TDIU for the period between January 9, 2020, and February 17, 2023, finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.,The Board also denied an earlier effective date for DEA benefits eligibility prior to February 17, 2023, as there was no evidence of a total and permanent service-connected disability before this date.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error and an incomplete medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back condition.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, specifically to ensure all records related to the Veteran's treatment through the VA community care program are associated with the claims file. The issues of increased rating and TDIU remain in dispute.

The Board has granted a rating of 40 percent for the appellant's low back disability, effective from the date of the decision. The appeal is denied for other issues as they are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in its decision, specifically regarding a March 2023 VA medical examination. The Veteran's back disability is being reviewed again for proper service connection.

The Board has granted the reopening of the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD. The other issues remain denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher disability rating for his cervical spine disability has been remanded due to the failure to schedule an examination. The VA is instructed to reschedule the examination and obtain any outstanding treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and concerns about the adequacy of previous opinions. The issues include hypertension, back disability, acquired psychiatric disabilities, bilateral pes planus, right great toe disability, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's low back condition is granted service connection as it was noted on his entrance medical examination and increased in severity during service. The Veteran's headaches are not entitled to an initial compensable rating.