Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has dismissed the claim of entitlement to service connection for femoral neck fracture, right hip as moot due to a full grant of benefits in October 2021. The back disability and obstructive sleep apnea claims are remanded.

The Board has found new and relevant evidence to be received for the claims of service connection for degenerative disc disease, right knee disability, and left knee disability. As a result, these claims are granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory, back, left knee, and right knee conditions due to inadequate VA examination opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including obtaining updated examinations and records. The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of any such condition. The other issues on appeal are being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been granted, with specific ratings assigned for various conditions.,Service connection has also been established for certain conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations. The issues include low back, left wrist, left knee, right hip, and left hip conditions.

The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is dismissed.,The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for right ear hearing loss is denied.,The effective date prior to November 18, 2015, for service connection for left knee strain with patellofemoral arthritis and chondromalacia patella is denied.,Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and thoracic cord injury at T11 to T12 with radiculopathy is granted.,Service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left ankle is granted.,Service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right ankle is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding insufficient evidence to establish a relationship between his current condition and military service.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding private and VA treatment records related to the Veteran's bilateral pes planus, right foot calcaneal spur, cervical strain with degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The left upper extremity radiculopathy and right upper extremity radiculopathy are rated at 30 percent and 20/40 percent, respectively, with cervical degenerative disc and joint disease rated at 20/30 percent.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder injury residuals and granted this issue. The back disability is also granted.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status prior to July 09, 2019 is denied as there was no evidence showing such needs existed before that date.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain should be remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records not being associated with his claims file.

The Veteran's GERD is granted service connection on a direct basis, with the condition having its onset during active duty.,VA compensation for a back disability under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is remanded due to pending issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about functional ankylosis of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, which may affect his rating.

The Board has determined that additional evidence should be obtained and the claims for increased rating and reopening service connection are being remanded to the AOJ.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to assess the current severity of this disability and determine if it warrants a higher rating.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, status post spinal fusion, is rated at 20 percent and denied for a higher rating. The ratings for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (LLE) and right lower extremity (RLE) are also denied.

The Veteran's GERD symptoms are not productive of considerable impairment of health, and a higher rating is denied.,Prior to August 19, 2016, there was no formal claim for an increased rating for back disability or left shoulder disability. The increase in severity of the disabilities was not factually ascertainable in the one year prior to August 19, 2016.,The Veteran's left shoulder and bilateral knee disabilities have worsened since his last examination in 2016, and current examinations are needed before adjudicating these increased rating claims.,Lumbar spine disability: The matter is remanded for further evaluation.,Left shoulder disability: The matter is denied as the Veteran's claim was not received within one year of a prior decision.,Left knee instability: The matter is remanded for further evaluation.,Left knee degenerative arthritis manifested by limitation of extension: The matter is remanded for further evaluation.,Right knee degenerative arthritis: The matter is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's back disability and its relationship to service. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records, including SSA records, for consideration.