Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's entitlement to a 50 percent rating for migraine headaches, prior to December 21, 2020, is granted. The appeal regarding service connection for a back disability, which was remanded by the Board, is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's hypertension and service connection claims, as well as his increased rating and TDIU claims. The issues will be remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The appellant's hypertension is denied as not related to service, while her low back disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for low back, right hip, left hip, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine with IVDS and radiculopathy, right lower extremity; sciatic nerve is remanded due to the need for further development.,Further medical evidence is required to determine appropriate disability ratings for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection for thyroid condition and rating of lumbar strain disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a back condition secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disability. The claim for an increased rating for migraines was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hip disorder has been reopened due to new and material evidence. The claims for increased ratings of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and left knee disability are denied. Other issues related to service connection have been remanded.

The Veteran's back disability was reduced from a 20 percent rating to a 10 percent rating without prior notice. The claim for an increased rating is being remanded due to the failure to provide proper procedures before reducing the rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is service-connected, as it was incurred during active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical examination and review of the Veteran's work history. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to November 7, 2016 is now pending.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his thoracolumbar strain (back disability) is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and clarifying whether his back disability results in functional impairment akin to ankylosis.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated as 40 percent from September 26, 2012 to December 20, 2022.,A higher evaluation in excess of 40 percent for the Veteran's low back disability from December 20, 2022 is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability began during service and is related to his in-service injuries, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to a back injury sustained during active duty.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is not rated higher than 20 percent, and his left knee instability is rated at the lowest possible level. The Veteran's right and left knee chondromalacia are each rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of low back disability due to new VA medical records not having been addressed in previous decisions.

The Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative arthritis with IVDS is currently rated at 40 percent since November 9, 2020. The Board denied higher ratings for the period prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and to obtain Worker's Compensation records related to a lumbar spine injury in 2002. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his thoracolumbar spine disorder.