Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his active service. The decision does not provide a specific rating or effective date.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is proximately due to or the result of service-connected disorders. The earlier effective dates for various conditions have been remanded.

The Board has decided to remand several cases involving service connection for various joint and musculoskeletal disorders, as well as sleep apnea and inguinal hernia. The Veteran's claims are being returned due to incomplete VA treatment records and inadequate VA nexus opinions.

The Board denied service connection for migraine headaches, a lumbar spine disability (bulging disc), a right knee disability, residuals of a left knee injury, and bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of current disabilities or in-service injuries that could be linked to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for low back disability, neck disability, and left upper extremity radiculopathy due to insufficient consideration of functional loss and medication effects. The TDIU claim prior to October 29, 2014, is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of recent VA examination for the Veteran's low back disability, which may affect its severity assessment.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for laceration injury, right thumb 3rd proximal interphalangeal joint; service connection for right wrist ganglion cyst; and service connection for a low back condition are remanded. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of intervertebral disc syndrome, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied due to the Veteran failing to report for necessary VA examinations without showing of good cause.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, and low back disabilities due to a lack of current disability evidence. The Veteran did not have a diagnosed right or left knee disability during her period of active duty service, nor does she currently have such disabilities. For the low back issue, the Board has remanded the case for further development including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the claims of service connection for various disabilities, including knee and shoulder conditions. The case is being remanded to obtain a VA examination to assess the etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating and an earlier effective date for her service-connected DDD with spinal fusion and spondylothesis are being remanded due to the need for additional examination and clarification of her disability status.

The Veteran's right knee disability was reduced from 30% to 10%, but the rating is now restored. Service connection for a right hip disability and low back disability as secondary to his right knee disability are granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The decision also noted that the appeal period began on August 25, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine is remanded due to conflicting findings regarding functional loss during flare-ups. The issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to December 3, 2019 remains on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection are inextricably intertwined due to incomplete records of his periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA. The appeals have been REMANDED for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a bilateral knee condition, joint pain (claimed as polyarthritis), and low back disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are MUCMIs.

The Veteran's headaches are granted a 50% rating as of July 24, 2018. The remaining issues on appeal (left shoulder condition, right shoulder labral tear with degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine disability, right knee condition, muscle strain of the bilateral arms, thighs, and calves, reactive airway disease with asthma, and IBS) are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and right knee conditions are not service-connected, as there is no evidence to support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The Board found that the evidence supported a finding of in-service onset and continuity of symptomatology.,Service connection for left foot toenail disability, right foot toenail disability, left foot fungus disability, and right foot fungus disability were all granted. The Board determined that the evidence supported an in-service onset and continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.