Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional verification of his identity and periods of active service is needed before the issues can be addressed on their merits.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to May 28, 2021 was denied. The Board found that the audiometric results showed a level of hearing loss compatible with a noncompensable rating.,For the period after May 28, 2021, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

Service connection for hypertension is granted under the PACT Act. Service connection for sleep apnea is granted. Previously denied claims for left and right knee disabilities, as well as sinusitis, are reopened. Other rating issues remain pending.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, low back disorder, depression, knee disorders, foot disorders, and ankle disorders have been dismissed as the Veteran opted into the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) by submitting a VA Form 10182 within 60 days of receiving a Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are caused and aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. The Board has granted the claim for service connection, but the effective date of the TDIU is remanded due to insufficient clinical evidence.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and updated VA treatment records. The Veteran will also be scheduled for a VA examination to assess his service-connected psychiatric disorder and lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to inadequate development of evidence, including the need for retrospective opinions and VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for left clavicle fracture and service connection for an upper back condition are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

This decision dismisses the Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae. The Veteran's tinnitus and headaches are granted service connection, but his left ear hearing loss, depressive disorder with anxiety, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and scar on the head remain remanded for further development.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure. Headaches are also granted as related to an in-service fall.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with bilateral sacroiliitis is remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional examination.

The Board has granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities. The issue of a higher rating for bilateral multifocal lens implants is remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to insufficient development of the record.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's right knee and right shoulder disabilities are remanded due to incomplete service treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and opinions. The Veteran's right knee, back, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and sleep apnea are all in question.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and TDIU are remanded due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete information regarding the extent of his back pain and limitations prior to September 15, 2020. The right knee disability is also being remanded for an addendum medical opinion.

The appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic bronchitis has been withdrawn and is dismissed.,New and material evidence having been received, the appeals to reopen claims for entitlement to service connection for low back disability and headaches are granted. The issues of service connection for these conditions remain remanded due to new exposure basis under PACT Act.,The appeal for a compensable rating for left shin splints is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 30, 2018 for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 30, 2018 for a higher rating for back disability is denied.,The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to May 30, 2018 for bilateral hip limitation of flexion and right ankle disability are denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 30, 2018 for a higher rating for left hip limitation of flexion is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 12, 2015 for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound criteria is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension under the PACT Act presumption of service connection is granted.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for cervical spine disability and associated radiculopathy was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent, while his upper extremity radiculopathy was rated as mild prior to January 31, 2023.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, neck disability, headaches, right upper extremity numbness, and left upper extremity numbness. The issues of service connection for these conditions are now resolved.

The Veteran's death was caused by a toxic level of medication, and the Board is remanding to obtain medical records and provide an opinion on whether his service-connected disabilities or medications contributed to his death.