Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum available rating under the applicable diagnostic code.,The Veteran's rhinitis is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that there is no evidence of polyps or incapacitating episodes warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's sleep apnea began during active service and is granted.,The Veteran has a current acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and alcohol use disorder related to his in-service stressor. A VA examination is needed to assess whether the Veteran meets the diagnostic criteria for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and earlier effective dates have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the severity of his lumbar spine condition prior to January 14, 2020, and assessing the current severity of his bilateral knee conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected TBI, PTSD, headaches, and lumbar spine conditions are being remanded for further evaluation due to the possibility of worsening symptoms since the last examinations in October 2019. The Veteran must be provided with VA examinations to assess the current severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder is now rated at 20 percent, effective April 10, 2023. The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the left clavicle fracture from October 29, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU related to lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities are being remanded due to receipt of additional VA treatment records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection due to new and material evidence. The claim is now granted as the Veteran sustained a low back injury during INACDUTRA in July 1991, which occurred while on active duty. Service connection is established because the current disability (chronic low back pain with DDD) can be linked to this in-service injury.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The Veteran's skin condition is presumed to be related to her Gulf War service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development of records. The issues include his acquired psychiatric disorder, cervical spine condition, and low back condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and for a temporary total disability evaluation due to surgery for her back disability. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

Your claim for service connection for lumbosacral spine strain has been granted and effective as of November 12, 2003. The issue is now dismissed.

The Veteran's eczema is being remanded due to inadequate VA opinions regarding its relationship to his Gulf War service and toxic exposure.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded due to inadequate VA opinions regarding its secondary relationship to PTSD, allergic rhinitis, and psychotropic medication.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of his lower back condition, finding no adequate opinion linking the current disability to the Veteran's in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as secondary to the service-connected right hip disability. The case of a compensable rating for the right hip disability, and service connection for LLE radiculopathy and left foot plantar fasciitis are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease, left and right lower leg radiculopathy, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder), and headaches. Service connection was denied for prostate disorder.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeals for left wrist disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Board has withdrawn these issues from consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The Veteran maintains that his condition is more severely disabling than reflected in the currently assigned 10 percent initial evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and a right leg disability, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, right shoulder, and anxiety conditions are granted as new and material evidence has been submitted. The cases of lower extremity radiculopathy and tailbone injury are also remanded.