Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lumbar strain have been denied as there is no evidence of an earlier claim or entitlement prior to the effective date assigned.,The Veteran's claim for PTSD has also been denied as there is no evidence of an earlier claim or entitlement prior to the effective date assigned.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for migraine headaches, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease due to incomplete documentation of her medical records and a need to address her lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability as there is no evidence that the condition began during active service or is related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The Veteran's assertions regarding cumulative physical activity and exposure to toxic water at Fort McClellan were not supported by medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's cervical spine condition and its relationship to service, including secondary service connection for headaches and post-concussive symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete service records. The Veteran is presumed to have served with the Air Force Reserve, but his periods of active duty and training need to be verified.

The Board denied referral for extraschedular TDIU prior to July 14, 2012 due to insufficient evidence showing the Veteran was unemployable because of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed. The appeal for tinnitus, left ankle disorder, right knee disorder, left foot disorder, and right foot disorder has been withdrawn by the Veteran.,Service connection for IBS was denied prior to February 28, 2018, but a petition to reopen this claim was granted in December 2018. The effective date of service connection for IBS is not earlier than February 28, 2018.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating for various disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his exposure to toxic substances (TERA) and delayed onset hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, right flank, and left ankle disabilities due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is at least as likely as not related to his military service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's hepatitis C claim is reopened and the Board finds it at least as likely as not related to drug use during service. The back disorder, GERD, trigger fingers in both hands, right shoulder disorder, hyperlipidemia, and respiratory disorder (likely COPD) claims are all remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claim for residuals of injury to the jaw and mouth, including a dental disorder, is reopened and the Board finds it at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury. The acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (likely referring to PTSD), hypertension, and right shoulder disorder claims are all remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, left foot, and hip disabilities due to the need for additional examinations and development of his employment history.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine disability and lumbar spine disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's service records do not provide clear evidence of in-service injuries or diagnoses, but he reports ongoing symptoms since his military service.

The Board denied service connection for neck and back disabilities, as well as a foot disability. Service connection was granted for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability, right upper arm musculoskeletal disability, and right upper arm neurological disability are being remanded due to the need for further development by the RO.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an additional VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran met the criteria for a temporary total rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 from April 25, 2017 as a result of March 2017 back surgery.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his left knee disability, as well as secondary service connection for right knee, low back, right hip, and left hip disorders.

The Board denied service connection for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) as the evidence did not show a direct relationship to active service, and the VA medical opinions indicated that ED was more likely due to BPH and advancing age.

The Board has found new and relevant evidence to warrant readjudication of the claims for service connection for low back disability, right shoulder osteoarthritis, and left arm neuropathy. The heart disability, GERD, and sleep apnea claims remain denied.