Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has restored the Veteran's SMC benefits from March 13, 2017 due to improper severance.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability, including as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The case is remanded for further development and readjudication.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (including schizophrenia, MDD, and anxiety disorder), low back condition, and cervical condition. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings of various service-connected disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability recent to or during the pendency of the appeal.,For the period from December 1, 2014 to September 4, 2019, the Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as his symptoms were consistent with a 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of service-connected disabilities and determine appropriate ratings. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its inextricability with other claims.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's spine, knee, shoulder, and sense of smell disabilities due to new evidence. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for a right knee disability, reflux esophagitis, head injury, dysphagia, and a left shoulder disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence, and a new examination is required.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of ESRD, back disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability have been granted. A rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, along with other service-connected conditions, has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment since March 19, 2018. The Board grants a TDIU effective from that date.

The Veteran's right foot plantar fasciitis is granted as service connected. The claims for left foot plantar fasciitis and lumbar spine disability are remanded.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to a pending request for a DRO hearing. The Veteran's representative requested a DRO hearing, but it has not been addressed by the RO.

The Board has remanded the claims for updated VA examinations to determine the current severity of the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder and bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy.

The Veteran's neck disability and chronic sinusitis have been granted service connection. The gynecological disability claim is remanded due to new evidence.,Back and thyroid nodule claims are also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip, left hip, and right knee disabilities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability. The rating for mechanical back pain with degenerative disc disease remains remanded due to inadequate examination findings.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine strain and migraine headaches have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, bilateral leg/knee disorders, and right ear hearing loss. The Veteran's claims were based on his assertions of in-service trauma leading to current disabilities, but the evidence did not support these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a qualifying hearing loss disability meeting VA's regulatory definition.,Service connection for TBI, whiplash, cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, sleep apnea, chronic fatigue, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to the need for further examination and clarification of medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining National Guard service records and medical opinions regarding his knee conditions and hearing loss.