Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's initial ratings for service-connected internal derangement of the right and left knees, as well as lumbar spine strain, have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, pseudofolliculitis barbae, radiculopathy, right lower extremity associated with degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine, radiculopathy, left lower extremity associated with degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine, right elbow fracture postoperative, and tinnitus, have resulted in the Veteran being unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 25, 2021.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right shoulder disorder but denied her claims for lumbar spine, left hip, and right hip disorders.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine was denied, as his disability has been rated at 20 percent since July 2021. The claim for SMC based on housebound status remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's contentions and prior statements in the decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of a back condition and cervical spine condition due to inadequate medical opinions regarding direct service connection. The Veteran's reported onset dates are considered, but no examiner provided an opinion considering these dates.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability with radiculopathy and remanded the issue of service connection for prostate cancer due to exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for right knee disorder, respiratory disorder (bronchitis), dyslipidemia, warts, and right ankle disorder have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for degenerative disc disease with degenerative spondylosis of the lumbar spine has been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and need for further examination. The issues include lumbar spine disorder, bilateral leg disorders, and headaches.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to additional evidence received since the January 2021 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has denied service connection for right testicle removal, a back disorder, erectile dysfunction, and tinnitus due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for psychiatric disorder is reopened but not granted as the Veteran does not have sleep apnea or hypertension that are related to service.,The Board found that there is insufficient evidence to establish a relationship between the diagnosed psychiatric disorders and service.

Your appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's passing. The Board does not have jurisdiction to proceed with your claims as they are no longer valid.

The Veteran's tinnitus and low back disability claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology. The AOJ must ensure that all development has been completed before final adjudication.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 40% rating from November 7, 2011 to July 12, 2021. From July 12, 2021 and thereafter, the Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating in excess of 40%. The Board found that his disability did not meet the criteria for unfavorable ankylosis or IVDS.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for lumbar-spine disorder due to multiple factors, including a need for updated opinions on secondary and aggravation claims. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating based on PTSD is moot due to the assignment of a 100% schedular rating. The claims for TDIU and SMC are remanded as further development is needed.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU from September 23, 2019 to January 28, 2021. The Board also referred the issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to September 23, 2019 on an extraschedular basis for consideration by the Director of Compensation Service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and failure to address objective neurologic abnormalities in VA medical records from January 2012 to June 23, 2019.

The Board granted a rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's lumbar disability, effective from the period on appeal.