Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the claims for lumbosacral and upper thoracic strain with degenerative disc disease and lower cervical strain due to lack of consideration of certain evidence, and requests further development including medical opinions.

The appeal pertaining to the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating from 40% to 20% for his service-connected lumbar strain with IVDS is dismissed. The restoration of the 40% rating for service-connected lumbar strain with IVDS, effective June 1, 2023, is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease (claimed as neck pain) and folliculitis of the posterior scalp with associated occipital lymphadenopathy, effective January 26, 2021.

The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for a back disability, as it involves relevant medical records that have not been obtained. The Veteran is asked to provide information about his treatment and authorize release of any necessary records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or abnormality and that his current condition is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not support a higher disability rating for his bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, right lower sciatic nerve (sciatica), and cervical spine torticollis with degenerative disc disease and arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that there is no medical nexus between his current diagnosis and his service. The evidence showed that the Veteran had a mid-thoracic spine injury in service but did not have any chronic back pain or lumbosacral strain symptoms until after service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by his service-connected conditions, including panic disorder in remission and chronic pain disorders. Therefore, secondary service connection for OSA is granted.

The Veteran's left knee condition, right knee condition, and back condition are granted as secondary to his service-connected pes planus.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to errors in the duty to assist, including failure to provide proper notice of VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and low back disorder as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his heart and spine disabilities, as well as their relationship to service. The AOJ will provide a VA examination to address these issues.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no one has requested substitution for the Veteran.

The Veteran's eligibility for transfer of educational benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill to his dependent spouse was denied due to failure to meet his service commitment prior to his obligated projected end date.

The Board has found that the Veteran's back and left knee disabilities are currently present, but a VA examination is needed to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and migraines are granted as service connected. The right shoulder tendinosis is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left and right leg sciatica, lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, gastroesophageal submucosal lesion, and hypertension have all been denied.,There is no current evidence of a disability in any of the claimed conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the claimed conditions and military service. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine if there is a link between his current diagnoses and his time in service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome, as secondary to his service-connected right knee instability and status post right knee meniscus repair.