Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain is rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that a higher initial rating of 40 percent is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors in obtaining adequate medical opinions.,All issues related to the Veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine condition, and traumatic brain injury will be addressed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's low back disorder and the issue of non-service-connected burial benefits is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's low back disorder and the issue of non-service-connected burial benefits is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection on several conditions due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's low back disorder and the issue of non-service-connected burial benefits is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's low back disorder and the issue of non-service-connected burial benefits is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.

The Board has decided to remand the service connection claims for lumbar spine, cervical spine, right shoulder, left shoulder, right elbow, and left elbow disorders due to additional studies provided by the Veteran's representative.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 100 percent for TBI with neurocognitive disorder, arachnoid cyst, and PTSD is dismissed. The claim for a compensable rating for the lumbar spine scar is also dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbosacral strain, and bilateral foot conditions, precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would have otherwise qualified him during the period from October 21, 2015 through October 10, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, back condition, and left knee condition are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, right hip, and left hip disabilities as secondary to his service-connected bilateral ankle disability.,There is no direct evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service. The VA examiner found that the current back condition and bilateral hip disabilities are more likely due to natural aging processes rather than the service-connected ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board finds the Veteran's report of noise exposure during service consistent with his DD214, and acknowledges that he has indicated a continuity of symptomatology from service to present. However, the Board also notes that there are no service treatment records documenting any relevant complaints or diagnoses of tinnitus. The Veteran was provided an addendum opinion on remand regarding the etiology of his lumbar spine disability due to carrying heavy protective gear during service.

The Veteran's back condition, which started during service following an injury in 1980, is granted as service connected.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a right hand condition, a low back condition, and a right leg condition due to failure of VA to provide proper notice and examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability as secondary to the service-connected left ankle strain, finding that there was no evidence of causation or aggravation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder is due to his military service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective October 1, 2014. The lumbar spine disability has been rated at 20 percent since October 5, 2023. The appeal for higher ratings remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic cervical strain, lumbosacral strain, and follicular hyperpigmentosis due to additional development being needed. The AOJ is required to obtain VA treatment records, complete a VA Form 21-4142 from the Veteran, and arrange for orthopedic examinations of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.