Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claim for a VA examiner's opinion to determine if the Veteran's current lumbosacral spine disability is related to his in-service back complaints and whether there is clear and unmistakable evidence that it was not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, vision loss, and various musculoskeletal conditions have been denied. The Board found no new evidence to reopen the claim for bilateral hearing loss and concluded that there is no current disability for VA compensation purposes. For other conditions, the evidence did not establish a link between service and the claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied, and the increased rating for lumbar strain and service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease with disc protrusion and central canal narrowing with sciatica are both remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a vision disorder has been withdrawn.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus, with the presumption of exposure to toxic substances during active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lower back disability. The RO is instructed to obtain a new addendum opinion from an orthopedic specialist that addresses all potentially favorable evidence, including continuity of symptoms post-service and a claim for service connection 2 months after separation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, right ankle, and back disabilities. The appeal regarding the right knee/leg and left knee disabilities is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for acid reflux, anemia, and a back condition need further development. The Veteran's medical records will be reviewed to determine if any conditions are present and their etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a neck condition, and a back condition due to insufficient medical evidence to resolve these claims. The Veteran must be afforded examinations on remand to assess the nature and etiology of any current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various conditions including TBI, shoulder disability, arm disability, low back disability, and psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence or conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder. However, the issue of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is remanded due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's migraine headaches, left knee condition, right knee condition, back condition, and sleep apnea are all found to be etiologically linked to his active-duty service.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's migraine headaches, bilateral knee conditions (left and right), and back condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are remanded due to the need for additional development and evidence.

The Board has remanded several issues including increased ratings for various service-connected conditions and a TDIU claim due to the submission of additional evidence after an SSOC was issued.

The reduction in disability rating for persistent depressive disorder from 50% to 30% is not supported by the weight of evidence and a 50% disability rating is restored.,An effective date earlier than June 27, 2017, for the grant of service connection for persistent depressive disorder is denied.,Service connection for a low back disorder is granted.,Service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to a low back disorder is granted.,Initial rating in excess of 50% for persistent depressive disorder prior to April 3, 2023, and in excess of 70% thereafter is remanded.,Entitlement to service connection for hypertension is remanded.,Entitlement to service connection for migraines is remanded.,Entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disorder is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to identify and obtain the appellant's service records, both personnel and medical, from their periods of IADT for basic combat training (BCT) and advanced individual training (AIT). The National Guard service records are also required. Once these records are obtained, the appeal will be readjudicated.

The Board has determined that the current examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are inadequate, and thus remands the case to obtain an adequate VA examination and opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available. The appeal for an increased rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed right lower extremity, left upper extremity, and right upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities. The claims are otherwise granted.