Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease, finding that there is at least a balance of evidence to support this determination. The condition had its onset during active duty and continues to present day.

The Board has dismissed the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected neck disability, from January 11, 2006. The remaining issues have been remanded and will be addressed again.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions. The claims are related to service connection for various disabilities, including back pain, knee injuries, and foot conditions.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and an increased rating claim. The Veteran's right shoulder disability is granted with a 20% evaluation effective May 22, 2017.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 10 percent prior to July 27, 2018, and 20 percent thereafter. The Board finds the September 2018 VA examination inadequate for assessing the current severity of the lumbar spine disability and remands the case for a new examination.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the previous remand directives regarding the issue of entitlement to service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The case is being returned to the Regional Office for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied all extraschedular rating claims for the Veteran's service-connected conditions, finding that the schedular ratings adequately contemplated his disability picture and there were no related factors such as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to his failure to appear at scheduled VA examinations. The claims will be reviewed based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,The Veteran's back scar is rated at a noncompensable rate under Diagnostic Code 7805, but her pain warrants a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7804. The effective date of April 6, 2017, has been granted for both ratings.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for increased ratings and TDIU. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is the primary focus of these remands.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision on his claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and need for additional development of his records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to a TDIU based on extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine compression fracture residuals, left upper extremity radiculopathy, low back strain, and left flank/hip disabilities are remanded for further development due to the need for new examinations to assess their current severity.

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 40% for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The case is remanded to evaluate radiculopathy and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for right ear hearing loss is dismissed.,Service connection for PTSD is granted, and service connection for a back disability (lumbar degenerative disc disease) is also granted.,Service connection for sleep apnea is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for increase due to new evidence received, and also requested additional records from VA and non-VA sources.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of low back injuries due to a withdrawal by the appellant.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted a 40 percent rating from March 10, 2021. The ratings for right and left knee disabilities remain at 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disorder, finding that it is related to his military service. The decision resolves all doubts in favor of the Veteran.