Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the timeliness of the NOD to an August 2011 rating decision and service connection for a spinal tumor. The Board dismissed these claims as withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hearing loss and lumbosacral strain, as well as his service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and headaches, require additional evidence due to the passage of time since their last examinations. The Veteran is also required to have a thorough search conducted for all Air National Guard service treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current back disability is related to her military service. The claim will be reviewed again with updated treatment records and a medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and medical guidance due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's right foot and low back disabilities are related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence received, and requests that clinical records from Parris Island, Beaufort Naval Hospital, and Camp Lejeune be obtained. Additionally, a VA medical opinion is needed regarding the low back disability, neck disability, cellulitis of the ankles, and orthopedic disability of the ankles.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not incurred in service. The Appellant is entitled to accrued benefits based on this decision.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spondylosis, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is shown to be chronic during his service and continued since then. The claim was reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, but the increased evaluation for left lower extremity radiculopathy is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to gaps in private treatment records and the need for additional examinations. The issues include back disability, upper left extremity neuropathy, lower left extremity neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's back disability resulted in limited forward flexion of less than 30 degrees from February 14, 2014, to November 15, 2015, and January 1, 2016, to August 31, 2021.,From May 24, 2013, to February 13, 2014, and as of September 1, 2021, the Veteran's back disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or IVDS with incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD and chronic headache syndrome ratings have been restored to their original levels.,Effective February 23, 2013, the Veteran became eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar strain and radiculopathy of the lower extremities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, bilateral foot disability, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, left little toe disability, lumbar spine disability, and allergic rhinitis. The evidence supports a link between these conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate examinations and incomplete medical records. The claims will be reviewed with a new examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and neck disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions addressing whether these conditions are related to his service-connected right knee, low back, or bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The claims will be reviewed with additional medical evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a retrospective medical opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability from July 1, 2009, to April 22, 2022. The examiner is required to provide specific measurements of range of motion lost due to pain in both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing positions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back disability and heart disease due to incomplete records, lack of VA examination, and need for updated medical records.

The Veteran's initial ratings for migraine headaches and PTSD/MDD have been granted. However, the appeal is mixed as some issues are remanded due to insufficient evidence or further development needed.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective February 20, 2016. The Board has granted an increased evaluation for the entire period on appeal and also granted TDIU and DEA benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and ankle disabilities have rendered him unable to dress, undress, bathe, or attend to his daily needs without the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has granted SMC based on need for aid and attendance.