Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing substantially gainful employment prior to December 17, 2014.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for a low back disorder, sleep apnea, and right ankle disorder. However, it has denied these claims as there is no current diagnosis of any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for left knee disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and bilateral hearing loss have been denied. The claim for service connection of the acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for various conditions due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as the VA has not provided a combined effects opinion on his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employability.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and hearing loss are inadequate, necessitating remand for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from March 4, 2013 to July 22, 2014. A TDIU is granted for this period.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues regarding whether there was clear and unmistakable error in a previous rating decision, as well as whether the September 2011 Substantive Appeal was timely. The effective date for any award of compensation remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a hearing request and failure to report.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back and right ankle disabilities due to incomplete review of medical records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, right shoulder, right iliotibial band syndrome, and right ankle sprain residuals are service-connected as of May 4, 2009.,Service connection for PTSD was established as of July 6, 2010.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a right wrist disability, back disability, and left knee disability due to outstanding VA treatment records and SSA records being needed. Additionally, an addendum opinion is required regarding whether these disabilities are proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spondylosis with sciatica and traumatic cataracts, finding that the evidence did not support a link to military service.

The Veteran is granted a clothing allowance for 2014 due to the use of a back brace, but the issue of a right knee brace remains pending as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee, hip, and spine disabilities due to conflicting medical opinions regarding parachute jumps in service. The claims will be reconsidered on their merits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was not sufficient evidence to establish a nexus between his in-service injury and his current disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his pre-existing condition.,Secondary service connection claims are inextricably intertwined with the remanded claim, so they must be deferred until further action on the primary claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The low back disability claim will be examined again, and a left knee disability claim will be contingent on the outcome of the left foot disability claim.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and a left hip disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service or secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a low back condition due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's private treatment records and his lay testimony regarding persistent back pain since service.