Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's increased rating for somatic symptom disorder, right hip strain, left hip strain, and status post L5-S1 discectomy (back disability) is granted. The ratings for radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities are remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back condition is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as he has not provided a VA Form 21-8940, and his employment status is unclear. The Board cannot evaluate the economic and noneconomic components of the substantially gainful employment standard.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left femoral nerve radiculopathies were not granted effective dates prior to July 13, 2020. Effective March 3, 2017, the Veteran was awarded a TDIU based on his combined disability rating of 100%.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability did not have its onset in service or within one year of discharge, nor is it related to any aspect of service. The condition was also not aggravated during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a back disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need for additional examinations. The Veteran's back disorder, left foot hallux valgus, right foot hallux valgus, and COPD are all under review.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a back disorder has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in May 2024.

The Veteran's low back condition, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, is granted service connection secondary to his service-connected left knee condition.,The Veteran's bilateral tinnitus is granted service connection due to in-service hazardous noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to obtain an adequate nexus opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for a low back disability. The examiner must provide a new opinion addressing whether the current low back disability is at least as likely as not related to in-service disease or injury, including documented treatment following a motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a back condition and plantar fasciitis as secondary to her service-connected bilateral pes planus are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,An examination is required to determine if the Veteran's lumbosacral strain and plantar fasciitis are proximately due to or caused by her service-connected bilateral pes planus, and whether any aggravation of these conditions can be attributed to the service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than July 24, 2017 for service connection of degenerative arthritis, thoracolumbar spine and right ear hearing loss have been denied as there is no evidence that the Veteran filed a claim prior to this date.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was restored to a 20 percent rating effective July 16, 2014. An initial 40 percent rating from September 30, 2013 and continuing thereafter for lumbosacral strain is granted.

The Board has determined that the VA did not provide a necessary examination for the Veteran's right shoulder, lumbar strain, and right knee disorders. The claims are being remanded to schedule these examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability was denied multiple times before being granted effective from March 22, 2021. The effective date is set at this new determination based on the evidence of record as of that date.

The Veteran's service connection for lumbar strain and left lower extremity nerve disability was granted with effective dates of April 21, 2014. A 20% rating is assigned for the initial period from April 21, 2014.,For the entire initial rating period from April 21, 2014 to present, a disability rating in excess of 20% for lumbar strain is denied.

The Veteran's claims for right shoulder and right knee disabilities were granted with an effective date of September 4, 2020. The Board is remanding the issues of service connection for sleep apnea (secondary to psychiatric disability) and lumbar spine disability.,The Veteran has not provided a clear indication that he believes his lumbar spine disability is related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is at least as likely as not related to his in-service injury, granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine has prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since November 3, 2011. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) with an effective date of November 3, 2011.

The Board dismissed the appeal for higher ratings of service-connected low back disability as it was a ministerial implementation of a prior decision.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and a lumbosacral spine disability, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not begin during or as a result of his military service.