Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his lumbosacral strain, IVDS, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, left shoulder impingement syndrome, and left leg radiculopathy are remanded due to inadequate prior VA examinations. The Veteran needs new and adequate examinations to assess the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for his disability ratings of degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine are being remanded due to a duty to assist error regarding the ameliorative effects of medication on his condition.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted separate ratings of 20% and 10%, respectively, effective January 15, 2019.,Effective dates for these ratings are based on the VA examination reports that confirmed a bilateral radiculopathy diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and insomnia are related to service, but has found insufficient evidence for a left knee disorder. The case is REMANDED to obtain an examination and opinion regarding the etiology of any diagnosed left knee disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for fibromyalgia was denied, and her TDIU was granted with an effective date of July 28, 2015. The decision is based on the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea and remanded his back disability claim. The case is now being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left foot disabilities, as well as a left shoulder disability due to lack of evidence of an earlier claim. The Veteran is entitled to VA examination opinions regarding his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and tinnitus have been dismissed as both conditions were granted in a subsequent rating decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left foot disability (claimed as pes planus and calcaneal spur), hypertensive vascular disease, lumbar spine condition, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The appeals are all denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected, and it is also found to be secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease.,The Veteran's coronary artery disease, cardiovascular disease, and quadruple bypass surgery are granted as secondary to his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for lung cancer, anxiety, a low back condition, right foot tingling, left foot tingling, a bilateral eye condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypoglycemia, and headaches as it lacks jurisdiction over these issues due to concurrent elections.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to warrant readjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, low back disability, and tinnitus.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's right knee disability.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of the Veteran's lower back condition as there was no adjudication in a rating decision within one year of his VA Form 10182 Decision Review Request.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bipolar disorder and headache disability, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since she stopped working full-time in December 2000.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee disability and lumbar spine disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee degenerative arthritis, based on a private medical opinion that supports an altered gait and posture theory.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, back, and shoulder disorders. The wrist and right knee disorder claims are remanded due to a failure to provide a VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a scar of the forehead have been granted. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for left knee and right ankle disabilities.

The Board has determined that the April 2017 VA medical opinion is inadequate and remands for a new examination to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding injuries and onset of symptoms during service, as well as post-service symptoms.