Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss as defined by VA regulations. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral knee, left ankle, and low back conditions are remanded due to lack of medical evidence.

The Board denied service connection for low middle back disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability. The evidence did not show an in-service injury or disease that led to the current disabilities.,There is no medical evidence showing a fall during active duty in 1981 caused the Veteran's current back and knee conditions.

The Veteran's headaches started during service and continued until his death. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's headaches had their onset in service, and grants service connection for headaches.,Regarding the acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder), the Board notes there are several diagnoses present. Adequate opinions have not been obtained that separately address each theory of entitlement and psychiatric disorder that the Veteran was diagnosed with during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at a 50 percent rating, effective from the date of this decision. Ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been assigned based on their respective conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on several conditions have been dismissed.,The claims for service connection for right knee arthritis and hearing loss of the left ear have been reopened.

The Board has remanded the claims for rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disorder (scar tissue of the lungs), and low back disorder due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's service connection claims are now pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of mycobacterium tuberculosis, an increased rating for tension headaches, and initial ratings for cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and scars post-lumbar spine surgery. The appeals were all denied as there was no current disability found in each case.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in considering evidence of continuous back problems since service and the lack of in-service treatment records. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms are now considered, along with VA treatment records from the 1990s.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability is rated at 40 percent prior to January 6, 2020. The Board found that the Veteran's range of motion was limited to 30 degrees or less for forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine, which meets the criteria for a 40 percent rating.

The claims for service connection related to tinnitus, right knee condition, sleep deprivation, low back condition, heart condition, and stomach condition are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to the Veteran's passing in July 2020. The claims of service connection for a right hand disability, back disability, and ankle disability are currently pending.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating of 40 percent prior to July 23, 2021 was granted.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent from July 23, 2021 was denied.

The Veteran's appeals for the reduction of his migraine headaches disability rating, reopening service connection claims for various conditions, and for service connection for certain lung issues have been withdrawn by his attorney.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine DDD is granted a 40 percent rating, but no higher. The Veteran's service-connected left lower extremity radiculopathy with nerve impingement (LLE radiculopathy) is denied any increase in rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for a new VA examination to address the Veteran's claims of neck and back disabilities, as the previous opinions were based on insufficient consideration of the lay evidence.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates are being remanded due to a new service department record that was not considered by the agency of original jurisdiction.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection due to incomplete notification of VA examinations, and the need for further examination and review of evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's conditions and assigned an effective date of April 1, 1961.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back, right and left hip, and right and left knee disabilities. The claim for PTSD was denied.,A remand is required to address the Veteran's eye disability claims.