Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence in the record regarding the etiology of the Veteran's disabilities, particularly his multiple sclerosis and its related residuals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his left shoulder condition, L4-L5 lumbar spondylosis with sclerotic changes of the left sacroiliac joint, bilateral foot strain with mild hallux valgus, and right foot strain with mild hallux valgus. The remand requires obtaining an addendum opinion on the nature and etiology of his left shoulder glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, determining whether it is at least as likely as not related to service or aggravated by service. It also requires scheduling a VA examination for his L4-L5 lumbar spondylosis with sclerotic changes of the left sacroiliac joint and bilateral foot strain.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain and TDIU prior to January 10, 2014 are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has granted service connection for Degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether it was caused by or is otherwise attributable to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's lumbar joint disease with degenerative arthritis of the spine is being reviewed for a higher disability rating.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a low back disability and granted it, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not caused by his in-service injuries.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease with bulging at L5-S1 on an aggravation basis and bilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy of the lower extremities, secondary to lumbar degenerative disc disease with bulging at L5-S1.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back disability and chronic right-hand condition due to insufficient evidence in the original decision. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his military service are considered, but additional medical opinions are needed.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, but no higher. The initial rating for service-connected lumbar strain has been granted at 40 percent from April 24, 2019.,Service connection was denied for erectile dysfunction, hiatal hernia/GERD, headaches, PTSD, joint problems, fatigue/shortness of breath, and TDIU.

Service connection granted for neurological disorders of the RUE, LUE, RLE, and LLE due to exposure to herbicide agents during service.,Service connection denied for low-mid back disorder, neck disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and sleep disorder.

The Board has added new medical evidence to the record and has decided that some of the Veteran's claims for service connection need to be reconsidered. The issues have been remanded for further action.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip disorder and back disorder, but has remanded both issues due to a lack of VA assistance in obtaining relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back disorder, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies, and TDIU due to inadequate examination and medical opinion in the prior decision.

The Board has decided that additional evidence is needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's cervical spine disability, and therefore remands the case for further development.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain disability is rated at 40 percent effective April 16, 2015. The rating for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the lumbosacral strain disability remains unchanged.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, thoracolumbar compression fracture, hypertension, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder) are all granted service connection. Secondary service connection is also granted for COPD, grand mal seizure disorder, osteoporosis, vertigo, and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the remaining issues due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. The claims are being remanded to obtain missing records and provide the Veteran with appropriate VA examinations.

The Board has granted the request to reopen a claim for service connection for a back condition and has remanded both the issue of reopening the claim and the issue of increasing the rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and his cervical spine disability is currently rated at 30 percent. Both disabilities are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, resulting in a current 40 percent evaluation.