Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back disability, including conditions such as lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration and lumbosacral strain, is related to his active duty service. The decision grants service connection for these disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his residual lumbosacral spine scar was denied.,The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to June 24, 2021 for the grants of service connection for left and right lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy were granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for headaches and low back disability due to duty-to-assist errors, as well as potential service connection based on toxic exposure under PACT Act.

The Veteran was granted service connection for right and left lower extremity sciatica, each rated at 10 percent effective September 30, 2020.,The Veteran was also granted service connection for right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, each rated at 20 percent effective October 30, 2020.

The Veteran has withdrawn their appeals for sleep apnea and a low back condition, so these issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is granted as his back pain began during active duty and has continued since then.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of permanent and total disability.

Service connection is granted for left ear hearing loss. Service connection for low back strain is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, diabetes mellitus type II, and coronary artery disease have been granted. The rating for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates earlier than February 24, 2020 were dismissed due to improper docketing under the AMA.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back and cervical spine disabilities continue to reside within the legacy appeals system.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis was denied as the current assigned ratings are deemed appropriate based on the severity of his symptoms and range of motion.

Service connection for sinusitis, back disorder (lumbosacral strain), and sleep apnea was denied.,An initial rating of 30 percent for diarrhea and GERD was granted.

The Veteran's claim for a 10% rating based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities is denied because he has already been assigned compensable ratings for other conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for anxiety disorder and/or panic attacks is dismissed. The right shoulder disability has been granted a rating of 30%. Other issues have been remanded.

The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain with a 40% rating, effective May 26, 2023, and found the appellant eligible to receive attorney fees based on past-due benefits resulting from this decision.

The Board has granted an increased disability rating of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, finding that the Veteran's symptoms justify this increase.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that these conditions are caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability.,The decision also acknowledges that there is reasonable evidence suggesting entitlement to secondary service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and back disability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a total disability rating for compensation effective October 1, 2020.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment due to his limitations on walking, sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, and sleep disturbances.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, including as due to dioxin and/or herbicide exposure or as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to determine if their diabetes mellitus type II was caused by or worsened by PTSD medication.