Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has dismissed all pending claims and appeals as the Veteran withdrew her appeal, stating she was already rated at 100 percent.

The Veteran's hypertension was not rated as compensable, as his diastolic pressure did not predominantly reach 100 or more.,SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted with an effective date of November 1, 2011.

The Veteran's combined rating for the appeal period prior to April 16, 2023 is granted at a maximum of 100 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection of a low back condition due to incomplete records and lack of evidence linking the current disability to service. The Veteran's symptoms are currently the only evidence provided, and further examination is needed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to a low back condition, DM-II, skin condition, sleep disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board has determined that these conditions may be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease with lumbar facet joint disease, foraminal stenosis, spinal canal stenosis, and curvature of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings in multiple lower extremity disabilities have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by his representative.

The claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar strain is being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran needs to be afforded another VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar strain.

The Board has restored the Veteran's rating for IVDS with degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine from 40 percent to 10 percent effective April 1, 2022, finding that the reduction was improper due to a failure to consider applicable regulations.

The Veteran's TMJ, back disability, right lower radiculopathy, and left lower radiculopathy claims have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating than currently assigned.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, lumbar spine disability, and bilateral foot disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to inadequate etiological opinions in prior VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating and an earlier effective date for lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for further review of the evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for various disabilities, including back disability, right leg disability, left leg disability, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU effective date due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (panic disorder and depressive disorder).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and whether obesity as a result of service-connected disabilities is a substantial factor in causing the diagnosed condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service symptoms and treatment. The claimant's statements and lay evidence support the continuity of symptomatology from service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection were dismissed due to the filing of a Decision Review Request (NOD) in July 2021, which was not addressed by the AOJ decision in March 2021.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's lumbosacral strain and service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his back injury, which he claims occurred during active duty.