Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, left carpal tunnel syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorder, allergic rhinitis, and left testis mass have been granted initial evaluations. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent from December 20, 2023, with a 10 percent evaluation for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve effective since December 20, 2023. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is rated at 10 percent from December 20, 2023, with a non-compensable evaluation for left testis mass.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left lower extremity nerve damage and any back condition secondary to LLE nerve damage, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and her service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the issue of an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for a chronic lumbar strain (lumbar spine disability) can be finally adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to outstanding medical records and need for additional VA examinations. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, right knee disorder, back disorder, and bilateral foot disorder are all under review.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal as his notice of disagreement (NOD) regarding the June 1997 rating decision was untimely filed, and thus, the June 1997 rating decision became final.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disabilities are now rated at 40 percent from October 25, 2017.,The Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy affecting the right sciatic nerve is now rated at 40 percent from October 25, 2017.,The Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy affecting the left sciatic nerve is now rated at 40 percent from October 25, 2017.,The Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy affecting the right anterior crural (femoral) nerve is now rated at 30 percent from April 25, 2023.,The Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy affecting the left anterior crural (femoral) nerve is now rated at 30 percent from April 25, 2023.

The Veteran's PTSD, lumbar spine disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, cervical spine disability, and left knee disability are all granted. The effective dates for these grants are the date of claim (April 9, 2014 for PTSD, May 20, 2015 for other disabilities).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of evidence showing a current disability.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back injury disability and an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his eye disability (dry eye syndrome) due to incomplete medical records.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, effective dates for various disabilities, and SMC at the housebound rate. The representative requested earlier effective dates for multiple conditions and disability ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a psychiatric disability (major depressive disorder), but denied service connection for a heart disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy due to issues with prior examinations and lack of recent medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of records and need for a new VA examination.

The Board denied an increased rating for lumbar strain, finding that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability did not meet criteria for higher ratings from October 3, 2014, and September 21, 2022.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and remanded several issues of service connection due to his active military service. The issues of service connection for OSA, bilateral knee conditions, headaches, right-hand condition, left-hand condition, and left hip condition are now pending.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his failure to attend VA examinations. The Veteran provided good cause for missing the initial examinations, and he is being asked to undergo new VA examinations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, left hip strain, right hip strain, and lumbosacral strain.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms were chronic during service and have been continuous since separation.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on several musculoskeletal and neurological disabilities are remanded due to the need for new VA examinations.

The Veteran's right leg radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The effective date for the grant of a 20 percent rating for right leg radiculopathy cannot be earlier than September 18, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability was denied. The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim, but did not grant service connection due to lack of nexus between the left knee disability and military service. For his left shoulder disability, the Veteran received a 30% rating, which is higher than what he previously had. His back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy were all granted increased ratings. The GERD claim was also granted with specific dates.