Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has dismissed the issues of service connection for kidney disorder, neck disorder, sleep disorder (including sleep apnea), thyroid disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, left ankle disorder, and low back disorder as part of a previously pending appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis was denied. The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for urethritis was granted at 40%.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's current condition had its onset during service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to his low back disability.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and implementation of a service connection decision.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including a right ankle fracture rating claim and service connection for various conditions. The Veteran will need to provide new evidence within 90 days of his scheduled hearing date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis is granted. The Board also remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for right knee strain and left knee strain.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, headache disorder, lower back disorder, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are all remanded due to inadequate examinations and development.

The Board denied a higher rating for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that her disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the issues of service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, including sleep apnea, hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lumbar strain, and PTSD. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of her hearing request and appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back condition, finding that it is related to her service-connected knee and ankle disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her in need of regular aid and attendance due to her inability to perform daily activities such as bathing, dressing, preparing meals, and getting into and out of bed.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and back condition caused him to become obese, which was a substantial factor in causing his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board dismissed the appeal for bilateral knee strain, bilateral shoulder strain, lumbosacral strain, and cervical strain as the appellant requested a withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted as service connected, after new and relevant evidence was submitted. The Board found that his current condition is at least as likely as not caused by his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's other service-connected conditions are also denied.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, PTSD, and low back disorder were granted initial disability ratings. The Veteran's PTSD was denied a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for GERD and hiatal hernia, migraine headaches, and PTSD were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than 10 percent for GERD and hiatal hernia, and denied an initial compensable rating for migraines. A 50 percent rating was granted for PTSD and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,The Veteran's left knee limitation of flexion is currently rated at 10 percent and her left knee limitation of extension is not compensable.