Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's onychomycosis of the left and right hands were granted service connection as they began during active service.,Service connection was also granted for a low back disability, but the issue of service connection for a left shoulder disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his back disability was denied prior to July 16, 2019. From that date until February 3, 2021, he received a 40% rating.,From February 3, 2021 onward, the Veteran's claim remains pending as he is seeking an increased disability rating.

The Veteran's hearing loss, right index finger scar, and lumbosacral strain have increased in severity since his last VA examinations. The Board has ordered remand for the Veteran to be provided with new VA examinations to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for post-traumatic degenerative changes of the right knee, left knee, and lumbosacral strain due to outstanding VA treatment records potentially relevant to these issues.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and diabetes mellitus, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service.,There is no indication of a chronic condition in service or within one year post-service, nor any evidence linking current conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for low back strain with degenerative disc disease is dismissed as the AOJ granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, rendering moot his original claim. For the period prior to January 29, 2016, and from that date onward, the criteria for an increased rating are not met.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence is in approximate balance and granting the claim based on direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information regarding employment status for a period of time, and TDIU on an extraschedular basis is required.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disorder, neck disorder, heart disorder, and bladder cancer due to outstanding medical records and the need for additional opinions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right ankle strain and lumbar arthritis, as well as his TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional development of medical records.

The appeal for service connection for chest pain has been dismissed as the claim was granted in a March 2021 rating decision. The issues of increased rating for MDD and TDIU are still pending.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, including compacted spine and degenerative disc disease (DDD), finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of arthritis of the cervical spine is related to an in-service injury. The decision also considers lay evidence and evaluates continuity of symptoms.

The Board has denied direct service connection for the Veteran's neck disability, but has remanded the secondary service connection claim.

The Veteran's back disability is not service-connected as it was not shown in service or within the applicable presumptive period, and there is no credible evidence of continuity of symptomatology. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that his current back condition is related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's fatigue symptoms are attributed to other service-connected disabilities (fibromyalgia) and non-service-connected conditions (sleep apnea, PTSD, insomnia). The Board finds that there is no objective indication of a qualifying chronic disability manifested by fatigue due to an undiagnosed illness or MUCMI.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronic in-service arthritis or any other condition related to service. The Board also found that the current low back disability is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's low back disability and his service, including his in-service surgical excisions. The VA is instructed to obtain updated treatment records, complete a new examination, and provide an etiological opinion.

The Veteran's appeals for carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper extremity; carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper extremity; and dental disorder have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,The Veteran's appeals for gastroesophageal disorder (including Barrett's disease and acid reflux); back disorder; bilateral foot disorder (Morton's neuroma, metatarsalgia, and hallux rigidus); and right shoulder disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to comply with a previous remand and for additional development, including an examination of the Veteran's low back disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective October 1, 2015. The rating for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities remains at 20 percent.