Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral leg disability, low back disability, and hypertension. The claim for tinnitus was granted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, a low back disorder (including IVDS), and left ear hearing loss. The claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's conditions. The VA examiner is required to provide additional opinions on whether the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service, including cold injuries and abdominal aneurysm repair.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine prior to August 3, 2017, and 40 percent since, as well as for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including GERD, Adjustment Disorder, Degenerative Disc Disease of the thoracic spine, Right ankle strain, and Tinnitus, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from March 29, 2012, but no earlier. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeals are granted as to the back disability, bilateral shoulder disabilities, and bilateral foot disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection of left ear hearing loss is dismissed.,Service connection has been granted for tinnitus.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder and a left knee disorder due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and outstanding records. The Veteran's back disability is being reviewed again for a definitive opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a VA examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability is related to his active service, considering if it clearly and unmistakably preexisted service or was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, qualifying for TDIU. She is also entitled to SMC at the housebound rate due to her PTSD.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for myofasciitis of the thoracolumbar spine from April 25, 2011 through July 14, 2014, finding that the Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximated forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of increased rating for lumbar spine disability, service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and service connection for depression due to their relationship with his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal regarding entitlement to service connection for a cognitive disorder due to mild TBI is dismissed. The appeals for right ankle and low back conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disorder, cleat injury to the left side, and lumbar spine disorder are not service-connected.,Service connection for frostbite of the bilateral lower extremities is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development regarding the Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition and remanded the issue of a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence, including missing VA treatment records and service medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is now pending again.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with DDD and disc bulging was rated at 20 percent from June 15, 2009 to March 1, 2013.,A higher rating of 40 percent for the same condition was granted beginning March 2, 2013 to January 23, 2017.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating after January 24, 2017 remains denied.