Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The decision concludes that the Veteran's sleep apnea is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD and musculoskeletal conditions.

The Veteran's initial rating for chronic orthopedic symptoms of lumbosacral strain with spondylosis is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.,The Veteran's initial rating for associated lumbar radiculopathy, LLE, is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's back condition and its relationship to his service-connected bilateral knee and feet disabilities.

The Veteran's TDIU claim from March 19, 2020 to October 4, 2022 is granted as he meets the schedular criteria for a combined rating of 70 percent due to multiple service-connected disabilities. The earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) eligibility remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the increased 40 percent rating for his service-connected back disability is denied. The earliest available effective date is March 19, 2021.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his right tarsal tunnel syndrome was dismissed because it came from a proposed rating reduction. The appeals for higher ratings for lumbar muscle strain and asthma were denied, with the TDIU claim being granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The lumbar spine disorder remains rated at 40 percent, while the right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent. Service connection has been granted for these conditions but further evidence is needed to determine if they are related to service.

The Board has denied a higher rating for peripheral vascular disease, left lower extremity and remanded the cases of arthritis, left hip, lumbosacral strain, degenerative joint disease, right knee, and right ankle strain.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset during service. The Veteran's statements about continuous symptoms throughout service and reserve duty are considered, but further medical examination is required.

The Veteran's service connection claim for her back disability is being remanded due to the need for further development and examination.

The Board denied service connection for lumbosacral spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing current disability or functional impairment caused by these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for head injury residuals is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart condition (abnormal heart with chest pain) is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of his back condition due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder condition, lower (lumbar spine) back pain/condition, left knee condition, and right knee condition.,The Veteran's current diagnoses of hypertension, right inguinal hernia and residuals, lower (lumbar spine) back pain/condition, left knee condition, and right knee condition do not have a direct relationship to his active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions in her prior claim. The claims are being returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU due to incomplete or inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's back disability is inextricably intertwined with his bilateral lower extremity neuropathies.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The Board found that there is no evidence of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, or unfavorable ankylosis (or the functional equivalent of ankylosis) of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has granted service connection for left chondromalacia of the patella (left knee disability) and chronic mechanical spine syndrome (low back disability). The appeal is remanded for further consideration of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's initial ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left knee degenerative arthritis, and right knee degenerative arthritis were denied. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet criteria for a separate rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy due to inadequate examination findings.

The Veteran was diagnosed with arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine during and within one year of his discharge from service. The Board found that the March 2008 rating decision incorrectly applied the law, leading to a denial of service connection for this condition. As a result, the CUE motion is granted.