Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluation and service connection due to inconsistencies in the examination reports, lack of documentation regarding lower back treatment, and need for additional medical opinions. The issues of TDIU are also before the Board as they are inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for thoracolumbar strain with DDD was granted at a 40 percent level, effective September 14, 2016. The claim for an increased rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the thoracolumbar strain with DDD remains denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased ratings of his right shoulder and back conditions before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted a 20% rating each, effective from March 2, 2018.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for a lower back condition. The decision is pending further investigation and examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a back disability due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset and whether it was aggravated by Reserve service. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a low back disability due to inadequate medical opinions and missing records. The Veteran's low back disability is being reviewed again to determine its etiology.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for obstructive sleep apnea has been withdrawn. The Veteran is granted a 50% evaluation for migraine headaches prior to October 21, 2009.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated neurological disabilities are remanded for additional evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is etiologically related to service and grants entitlement to service connection for a back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current low back condition is related to her in-service complaints and if it began during service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for low back pain, finding that it is at least as likely as not that his current condition started during active service and has continued since then.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain, right shoulder strain, and right knee strain due to incomplete VA examinations. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the lower extremities are also being remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for a lumbar spine disability, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right leg sciatica, service connection for a bowel impairment disorder, and entitlement to TDIU due to insufficient development and consideration.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, finding that the Veteran did not have a chronic condition in service and there is no evidence linking his current back disability to his military service.

Your initial disability rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis changes and disc disease has been increased to 20 percent, effective October 14, 2017. Your appeal is dismissed as you have withdrawn it.

The Board has remanded the claims for a right knee disability, left knee disability, stomach disability, hypertension, back disability, and headaches due to incomplete records and need for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a thoracolumbar strain is reopened, and his claim for service connection for an upper back condition (cervical and lumbar spine) is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate examinations and incomplete medical opinions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of low back, left hip, and right hip disabilities due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's headaches are caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar strain.