Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on two conditions (back disability and lower leg disability) has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's current diagnoses of right ankle, knee, hip, back, skeletal arthritis, bilateral eye condition, vertigo, headaches, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities do not meet the criteria for service connection.,Service connection is denied for all claimed conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding service connection for asthma, hemorrhoids, right knee condition, left knee condition, low back pain, and kidney stones.

The Veteran's hypertension is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide agent exposure. Service connection for erectile dysfunction, left ankle disorder, and low back disorder is remanded as the evidence does not establish a direct or secondary relationship with service.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of radiculopathy of the left lower extremity due to insufficient evidence. The ratings for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right shoulder disability, and left knee disability remain denied as they do not meet the criteria for increased ratings.

The Veteran's lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee conditions are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The claims for service connection as secondary to his service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood need further evaluation.,VA is requesting additional evidence or a new examination to determine if the Veteran's lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee conditions were caused or worsened by his service-connected mental health condition.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on two conditions (left shin and back disabilities) has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease was denied as the evidence did not show that his disability warranted a rating greater than 10 percent prior to June 1, 2021 or greater than 20 percent since June 1, 2021.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal because the proposed reduction of his disability ratings was not implemented, and the Veteran did not request a hearing or submit evidence within the required timeframe.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to lumbar degenerative disc, degenerative arthritis of the spine due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with an examination and addendum opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine as secondary to his service-connected right ankle and right hip disabilities. However, it denied service connection for his claimed right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea, but has remanded the claims for a left knee disability, right knee disability (claimed as secondary to a left knee disability), and lumbar spine disability (claimed as secondary to a left knee disability).

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disorder. The claim for an increased rating for the lumbar spine disorder is granted, but only up until January 12, 2021 and thereafter at 60 percent. The effective date for the increased rating of major depressive disorder is denied. The claims for severance of service connection for right and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy are both granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome cervical spine, degenerative arthritis and related issues are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,Specifically, the Board is requesting an opinion on whether the Veteran's cervical spine condition was aggravated by his service-connected low back disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for anemia (unspecified) was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 7720.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, back condition, and tinnitus were remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's initial rating for migraine headaches has been granted at a 50 percent, but no higher. The Veteran's back disability remains remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's back brace was found to cause wear and tear on his clothing, leading to a grant of a clothing allowance for the year 2020. However, the ankle braces and shoe inserts were not considered outer garments, thus denying a clothing allowance for these items.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to duty-to-assist errors. The issues include back, knee, and hand disabilities as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for colon rectal cancer, parastomal hernia, prostate cancer, stomach pain, and lumbar spine pain. The evidence does not support a causal relationship between these conditions and exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or any other in-service event.