Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's left and right knee osteoarthritis are granted with higher ratings, but his back condition claim is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's low back and hip/leg disabilities are not service-connected as they were caused by or aggravated by his prostate cancer treatment. The skin cancer residuals are also not service-connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's bilateral hip and leg disability is not service-connected, but the skin cancer residuals may be service-connected if found to be related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for his service-connected low back disability was dismissed because the June 2019 decision that granted a 40 percent rating, effective February 12, 2019, is not an initial decision to which the AMA applies.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are as likely as not of such nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since November 30, 2018.

The Veteran's right first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis is granted a 20 percent disability rating effective January 1, 2020.,The Veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain with piriformis syndrome and arthritis is granted an increased disability rating to 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine conditions have been withdrawn by the appellant's representative. As a result, these issues are dismissed.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for service connection of cervical and lumbar spine conditions, leading to their dismissal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, DJD of the shoulders and knees, DDD of the lumbar spine, and bilateral radiculopathy, have rendered her incapable of providing basic care for herself. The Board has determined that she requires regular aid and attendance due to her physical and mental incapacities.

The Veteran's back disability, sciatica of the right and left lower extremities, and neck disability are all granted as service-connected.

The appeal for service connection for a low back disorder is dismissed.,The appeal for service connection for PTSD is dismissed.,A compensable rating for PTSD from August 21, 2018 to May 2, 2019 is denied.,Service connection for forgetfulness is denied.,Service connection for narcolepsy is denied.,Service connection for a right elbow disorder is denied.,Service connection for a left elbow disorder is denied.,Service connection for a right wrist disorder is denied.,Service connection for a left wrist disorder is denied.,Service connection for a right hip disorder is denied.,Service connection for a left hip disorder is denied.,Service connection for a headache disorder is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine with degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral strain, and compression fracture as new and relevant evidence was not received to support his claim.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain, cervical strain, right hip status post arthroplasty, left hip status post arthroplasty, right foot arthritis, hammertoes, flat foot, tailor's bunion, metatarsalgia, and neurological disturbances, as well as bilateral hearing loss. The relationship to service is found in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's hepatitis is denied as it was not caused by VA treatment.,The Veteran's low back disability, hypertension, heart disability and residual of stroke disability are all denied due to lack of service connection.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is granted as service connection. The Board finds that the evidence is in approximate balance, and resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.,Service connection for fibromyalgia is denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD with anxiety and depression, bilateral hearing loss, degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine with muscle spasms, cervical spine, left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, and left lower extremity varicose veins are all granted. The service connection is determined to be direct.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, requiring clarification of the March 2020 VA medical opinion and potential need for an in-person examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied, but he received an increased rating of 40 percent effective January 4, 2021.,He also received separate ratings of 20 percent for right and left lumbar radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve and femoral nerve, respectively.

The Veteran's heart disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, right shoulder disability, back disability, and allergy disability are not service-connected. However, hypertension is granted as a result of presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active duty in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to warrant reconsideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability. The appeal regarding entitlement to service connection for a low back disability is also remanded.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is related to his active service and has been granted service connection.