Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to insufficient evidence or need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was evaluated at various stages with ratings ranging from 10% to 40%. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of these periods.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is also rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle disability and back disability. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disability, specifically addressing whether it is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn, and the appeal is dismissed for all issues except SMC at the housebound rate. The claims for increased ratings and service connection are dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran's attorney. The claim for SMC at the housebound rate is denied as the Veteran does not meet the criteria with his current disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of various knee, hip, and nerve conditions. The reduction in rating for right knee osteoarthritis from 20% to 10% was also found improper.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate development, specifically regarding a new medical examination for service connection of a low back disability. The Veteran's lay statements and in-service records indicate he experienced back pain during service and after separation.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia, hemorrhoids, bilateral varicose veins, right index finger injury, left ring finger injury, anxiety disorder, PTSD, lower back disability, bilateral hip disability, right ankle disability, and right shoulder and clavicular fracture are all remanded for further examination and evaluation.,Service connection is also being remanded for the Veteran's anxiety disorder, PTSD, lower back disability, bilateral hip disability, right ankle disability, right shoulder and clavicular fracture, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has ordered the remand of three issues related to the Veteran's TBI, left knee disability, and low back disability. The claims are being returned due to incomplete VA treatment records for Jamaica Plains VA Medical Center and insufficient qualifications of the examiner who conducted the July 2022 examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to decide these issues.,A VA examination and opinion are required to determine if any current heel condition, hearing loss, or back condition is related to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hip disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, and cervical spine disorder due to inadequate medical opinions. The VA will obtain new medical opinions addressing whether these conditions are related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of lay evidence and a need for further medical examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of service connection for a right foot disorder, right hip disorder, and low back disorder. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for respiratory, low back, penile, skin, and testicular disabilities. The increased rating claim for PTSD/TBI is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, right knee degenerative arthritis, and left knee degenerative arthritis due to inadequate opinions in the VA examinations. The AOJ will seek additional medical records and schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination.

The Veteran's movement disorder is granted as service-connected, with the Board finding that his symptoms began during service and have continued since.,The Veteran's blood clotting disorder (Factor V Leiden) is remanded for further review due to potential aggravation by service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a back disability and hemorrhoids due to inadequate reasons and bases in the previous decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and a lumbar spine disability are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess the severity of his disabilities throughout the period on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, right knee disability, and lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's conditions are found to be related to her active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine condition and associated radiculopathies are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.