Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's initial disability rating for a lumbar spine disability prior to August 27, 2021 is granted at 40 percent. The claim for an increased rating in excess of 40 percent from that date is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his scar, lumbar spine was denied. However, the Board granted a separate 10 percent evaluation for painful scars on the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's PTSD, tinnitus, and right knee condition are all granted service connection. The back condition is denied.,Service connection for PTSD, tinnitus, and right knee condition has been established based on the in-service stressors and noise exposure.

The Veteran's low back disorder is rated at 10 percent prior to July 8, 2019, and 20 percent thereafter. The effective date for service connection of the low back disorder due to aggravation by a service-connected disability has been granted as July 12, 2017.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent. An earlier effective date of March 14, 2019, for the grant of service connection for this condition has also been granted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all pending claims.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities effective January 16, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability and related nerve radiculopathy issues has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating based on unfavorable ankylosis or IVDS with incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations to assess the current severity of her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability was aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims. As such, all issues on appeal are REMANDED for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for left knee and low back disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection. The appellant's left knee disability is being examined again, as well as his low back condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an adequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's back condition, which may be associated with his service. The Veteran needs to undergo a VA examination for this issue.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate VA examinations and requests for further development, including scheduling additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU due to inadequate reasons or bases in the September 2014, November 2019, and December 2020 VA medical examinations. The case is being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, to include as secondary to service-connected left varicocele, due to incomplete records and need for clarification of etiology. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS, skin disability, and back disability due to missing private treatment records and the need for new examinations.

The Veteran's low back disorder is granted service connection. The remaining hip, leg and knee issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated medical examinations and assessments related to his lumbar spine disability, including radiculopathy and bowel issues.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, right hip arthritis, left hip arthritis, degenerative changes, lumbar spine, and an acquired psychiatric disability claimed as depression and anxiety. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and right shoulder disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for further examination.