Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating of 40 percent or more for his lumbar spine spondylosis. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran's service connection claims for migraine headaches, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, right wrist disability, cervical spine disability, and low back disability have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show any current disabilities related to these conditions during his qualifying periods of active duty.,There is no credible evidence showing that the Veteran experienced any injuries or diseases related to these conditions during his service in the North Carolina National Guard.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that the evidence is approximately evenly balanced as to whether these conditions had their onset in service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for service-connected disabilities is granted, and his increased rating claim for the lumbar spine disability prior to May 4, 2021, is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling examinations. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection or increased ratings for various conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including back pain, sleep apnea, and anxiety/panic attacks, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) effective October 12, 2018.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities, but denied both on the merits due to lack of evidence linking current disabilities to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to his shoulders, elbows, hands, ankles, and back are remanded due to confusion regarding the procedural posture of the case and clarification needed on whether any issues had previously been adjudicated. The Board also notes that updated VA treatment records should be obtained and an examination conducted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves were denied. The case was remanded for further development.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claims for service connection for back and gastrointestinal disabilities has been granted. The issues of right foot Achilles tendonitis, hypertension, shin splints, gastroesophageal disorder (GERD), and lower and upper back disability have been remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back DDD and granted it. The claims for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left ankle and low back disabilities, as well as his sciatic nerve radiculopathies. The remand includes obtaining new medical opinions regarding the level of functional impairment due to instability and flare-ups, and obtaining additional VA treatment records.

The claims for service connection of lumbar spine, throat, left foot, right foot, left foot toes numbness, and right foot toes numbness conditions are all granted.,The claims for service connection of left knee and right knee conditions are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to procedural issues and the need for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and remands for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disability and whether it clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives and a need for another VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an earlier effective date for the 40 percent rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused him to be in need of regular aid and assistance, leading to a grant of special month compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and a right knee disability, finding that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether these conditions had their onset during active service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a current disability for service connection of bilateral hearing loss. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded due to insufficient evidence and need further development.