Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a current low back disability and its relation to service. The Veteran will need to provide medical records, and a VA examiner will be requested to determine if there is a connection between his service and his current condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to September 27, 2019 or from September 27, 2019 onwards.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's bilateral wrist disability and back disability do not meet the criteria for service connection. The case is being remanded to obtain updated medical records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's dizziness has been granted service connection and a rating of 10 percent is assigned.,A 40 percent rating for lumbosacral spine DDD is granted throughout the appeal period, with forward flexion less than 30 degrees.,A 30 percent rating for cervical spine DDD is granted throughout the appeal period, with forward flexion less than 15 degrees.,The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy has been granted a 40 percent rating since October 19, 2022.

The Board has determined that the VA's development was inadequate and has ordered additional examinations to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of his back, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities. The issues have been remanded.

The Board has decided that the VA examinations are inadequate and remands the case for further examination to determine if any currently diagnosed back disability was incurred in or is otherwise related to service, and whether it is caused by or aggravated by any of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip joint replacement and impingement, left knee joint osteoarthritis, and a back condition. The Veteran's back condition is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating from 40 to 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and scoliosis of the thoracic spine was proper based on improvement in his condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a back condition, including lumbar spinal stenosis and arthritis, as well as right lower extremity radiculopathy. Service connection is denied for left lower extremity radiculopathy.,Service connection was established based on the Veteran's credible statements regarding his in-service injuries and ongoing symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to April 18, 2017, for increased disability ratings of his back, left shoulder, right shoulder, left hip, and right hip disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back disability and right knee disability are granted with an effective date of August 11, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records, need for new VA examinations, and consideration of the low back disability as secondary to service-connected ankle disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and heart disability, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues are being remanded for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right lower extremity knee and sciatic nerve radiculopathy, together with organic diseases such as coronary artery disease, sinusitis, and hypertension, result in the loss of use of one lower extremity and affect balance and propulsion. The Board grants entitlement to specially adapted housing but dismisses the claim for a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has determined that the claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to inadequate development, including the need for a new VA examination. The Veteran's eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, lumbar spine condition, left hip condition, and right hip condition as secondary to his service-connected disability of right ankle strain due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of a clear nexus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability and left ankle disorder, finding no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of lumbar strain and service connection for a cervical spine disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.