Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and post-operative left knee injury were denied. A 10 percent rating was granted for left knee instability.

The Veteran's tinnitus began during service and has continued since then.,The Veteran contends his left wrist disorder is related to active duty. The VA examiner opined the condition was not caused by or a result of his military service.,The Veteran contends his right wrist disorder is related to active duty. The VA examiner opined the condition was not caused by or a result of his military service.,The Veteran contends his thoracolumbar disorder is related to active duty. The VA examiner opined the condition was not caused by or a result of his military service.,The Veteran contends his right shoulder disorder is related to active duty. The VA examiner opined the condition was not caused by or a result of his military service.,The Veteran contends his TMJ disorder is related to active duty. The VA examiner opined the condition was not caused by or a result of his military service.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as bilateral upper and lower extremity radiculopathies, are granted. The Veteran's right shoulder disability and right knee disability remain in dispute.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease is rated at 40 percent since December 22, 2015. The initial ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are granted at 10 percent and 20 percent respectively, effective November 6, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for alcoholism as secondary to PTSD and cirrhosis of the liver as secondary to alcoholism has been dismissed due to his withdrawal request.

The Veteran's PTSD, back disability, neck disability, and alopecia areata claims have been remanded for further examination and opinion. The effective date of service connection remains October 6, 2017.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to receipt of additional VA medical evidence. The AOJ is instructed to consider this new evidence and provide notice with an opportunity to respond.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, back disability, right knee and left knee disabilities, right thumb/hand disorders, right elbow and ankle disabilities, left hip strain, neck disability, and left shoulder disability due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder, low back disability, and sinus disability is remanded. The appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include traumatic brain injury, upper and lower extremity conditions, seizure disorder, sleep disorders, TMJ disorder, headaches, and a back condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and back conditions due to incomplete development. The Veteran is requested to authorize release of private treatment records from Dr. Hollander, and VA will make reasonable efforts to obtain them. Updated VA opinions are needed based on these records.

The Veteran's back disability and related radiculopathies were granted a 40 percent rating from May 20, 2019 to December 29, 2020. The TDIU status was also granted during this period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including asbestosis, asthma, COPD, lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy, and bilateral hearing loss, have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since March 2005. The Board has granted an extraschedular TDIU for the period from March 22, 2005 to April 22, 2019.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an examination and opinion addressing the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disability, including whether it is related to service or his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for his depressive disorder, left hip disability, right hip disability, lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, and hypertension to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions, including left thumb fracture, lumbar and cervical spine conditions, right shoulder and knee conditions, ankle and foot conditions, and GERD are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of uterine fibroids, hysterectomy as secondary to uterine fibroids, and MDD as secondary to hysterectomy. The lumbosacral strain issue is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and relationship of his acquired psychiatric disorders, back condition, and right hip condition to his military service. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back disability and right foot disability (plantar fasciitis) due to incomplete medical opinions based on the absence of documented treatment in service or thereafter.