Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that there are new and material evidence to reopen the claims for service connection for low back disability and respiratory disability. However, further development is needed as the AOJ must provide a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) with any newly submitted evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and its impact on his ability to function. The Veteran will need a new examination to assess these factors.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's right knee disability is related to service. The current appeal remains pending and will be reconsidered after the additional development.

The Veteran's left elbow status-post avulsion fracture, lumbosacral strain, and cervical strain have been granted service connection with a noncompensable rating. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability has also been granted service connection.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected lumbar strain with spondylolysis and grade spondylolisthesis at L5-S1, and right hip degenerative arthritis are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the severity of these disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was previously rated at 20 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating as there were no incapacitating episodes or ankylosis.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that it had its onset during active military service and is related to his in-service occupational duties.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tinnitus, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, and back disability due to insufficient evidence.,Specifically, the Veteran's claims are being returned for further development as requested by the Board.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left wrist and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, finding that the current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for direct service connection due to lack of in-service disease or injury and insufficient evidence linking the current condition to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for GERD, sleep apnea, back condition, left thigh condition, and left knee condition due to inadequate medical examination and lack of substantial compliance with May 2022 remand instructions.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and has remanded the issues of service connection for low back disability and right sacroiliac joint dysfunction (claim as a right hip disability).

The Board has remanded the case for new VA examinations to determine if the Veteran's current spinal and shoulder conditions are related to his in-service motor vehicle accident. The previous VA examinations were deemed inadequate due to lack of thoroughness and consideration of the Veteran's pain reports.

The claims for service connection of the Veteran's back disability, right knee disability, polyneuropathy of the left hand, and polyneuropathy of the right hand are being remanded due to new evidence received since previous decisions. The Board will seek medical opinions on the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disorder and a right knee disorder due to conflicting medical records and lack of VA examinations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for a surgical scar of the lumbar spine.

The Board has denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected neck muscle strain and remanded the issue of entitlement to a higher rating for thoracolumbar scoliosis with degenerative changes and IVDS due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's tinnitus and left lower extremity radiculopathy are granted service connection. The Veteran is also granted a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his right lower extremity radiculopathy, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and anxiety disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, right knee, left knee, cervical spine disorder, CFS, right fingers, left fingers, right hip, left hip, lumbar spine disorder, right wrist, left wrist, left leg, right shoulder, left lower extremity sciatic nerve disorder, burns of the right tibia/fibula, and GERD disorders due to incomplete service treatment records and lack of confirmation of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a left hip disability and lumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence in her service treatment records, requiring further development including obtaining an examination.