Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has decided that the appellant is not eligible for direct payment of agent fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a June 2018 rating decision, which granted service connection for degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with spondylolisthesis and for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The case is being remanded to ensure full compliance with contested claims procedures.

The Veteran's cervical degenerative arthritis and status post cervical fusion with cervical radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities are related to his active service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's disability rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, status post laminectomy is granted at a 40 percent level since October 17, 2013.

The Board has determined that the reduction in disability rating from 40 percent to 10 percent for service-connected lumbar fusion and laminectomy of L4-L5 and L5-S1 with residual pain was improper, and the 40 percent rating is restored. The claims for increased ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded due to additional evidence received since the May 2020 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases for various conditions, including sleep apnea, bilateral plantar fascitis, TMJ, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and cluster headaches. The decision is based on the need for additional development, specifically obtaining VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional evidence needs to be reviewed by the RO, and the claims for service connection are being remanded. The Veteran's appeals include issues related to lower back disability, left hip disability, headaches (including migraines), right knee disability, and cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding records related to the Veteran's lower back, deviated septum and respiratory disorder claims. The case is remanded for further development including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been reopened and granted. The issue of service connection for a low back disability is remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back condition due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his claimed disabilities, including bilateral flat feet, low back and neck conditions, narcolepsy, psychiatric disorders, and respiratory disabilities. The Veteran will be afforded VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection of sleep apnea. The TDIU claim was granted, and a remand was ordered for a new VA examination regarding bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board will need to provide the Veteran with examinations and consider additional medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to deficiencies in prior remand directives and unsecured records. The Veteran's service treatment records, private treatment records, and active duty treatment records are needed.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his right thigh condition and scar of the right thigh has been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right thigh disability has been withdrawn.,Service connection for a left eye disability is denied as there is no current diagnosis.,Service connection for a right shoulder disability is denied due to lack of causal relationship with in-service events or injuries.,Service connection for a back disability is remanded as the VA examiner's opinion was based on inaccurate facts.,Service connection for a right hip disability is remanded as there is no current diagnosis and the VA examiner did not diagnose the condition.,Service connection for a jaw disability (secondary to PTSD) is remanded due to lack of causal relationship with in-service events or injuries.,Service connection for headaches (secondary to PTSD) is remanded due to lack of causal relationship with in-service events or injuries.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated as noncompensable prior to January 19, 2023 and at a 10 percent rating since then.,The Veteran's back disability remains unconnected to service.

The Veteran's back disability, neck scar, and bilateral eyesight loss are all granted as service-connected.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all 10 issues related to service connection and evaluations of knee and foot conditions, paresthesia, and radiculopathy. The Board dismissed the cases as a result.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for residuals, fracture of left proximal third phalanx (long finger) and service connection for various conditions due to additional evidence submitted since the last decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals. The TBI and PTSD issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is at least as likely as not related to his in-service injury, and service connection for this condition is granted. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and headaches are remanded due to insufficient evidence addressing their etiology.