Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives and a need for further medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, including whether it is related to service-connected bilateral knee and right hip disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for left foot plantar fasciitis, but the issue of service connection for a lumbar spine disability is remanded.

The Veteran's urination problems are not secondary to his thoracolumbar spine disability. The Board denied higher ratings for the thoracolumbar spine and right knee disabilities, as well as a separate rating for right knee instability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions. The claims are not granted as there is no evidence that the conditions are related to active service.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations provided were inadequate for adjudication purposes and remanded the case to obtain further clarification of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including his lay statements regarding incapacitating episodes and flare-ups. The Board also requested additional medical records from private providers.

The Board has found that remand is needed due to the need for new medical nexus opinions regarding the Veteran's low back disability, including as secondary to his service-connected disabilities of bilateral pes planus and Morton's neuroma (also claimed as leg pain), and/or cervical spine arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back condition is related to his service, and therefore grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left shoulder strain, neck disorder (secondary to left shoulder disability), back disability, and TMJ have been granted service connection. The Veteran is assigned a 10 percent disability rating for his left shoulder strain prior to September 20, 2012, and the claim for increased ratings beyond this date has been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service injury and symptomatology since service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as his claim for TDIU prior to June 11, 2015. The Veteran is required to attend additional VA examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that it is proximately caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

Service connection is granted for acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Alcohol disorder, Major Depression Disorder (MDD), and Bipolar II.,Service connection is also granted for gastritis, GERD, lumbosacral strain, visual impairment, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a lack of VA examinations and new evidence received during the appeal period. The Veteran's combat service is considered, but further examination is needed to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at a 10 percent rating, but the Board has determined that a higher 30 percent rating is warranted.,For her lumbosacral strain, the Veteran's current 10 percent rating is being remanded for further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's TDIU and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits are granted as of February 22, 2016. The effective date for the TDIU is also set to this date.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and spinal stenosis. The appeal regarding left ear hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and foot disabilities, finding that there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back condition, finding that new and relevant evidence supports this decision. The Board also found in favor of the Veteran regarding his claim, considering his symptoms as having started during service and continuing since.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain has been granted an initial 20 percent rating, but no higher. The condition is characterized by muscle spasms resulting in an abnormal gait.