Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and consideration due to inadequate medical opinions in the previous VA examinations. The Veteran's neck and back conditions are being reviewed again.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 40 percent from November 16, 2022. The Board found the evidence insufficient to warrant higher ratings for any period.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his back condition is denied, but he is granted a 20 percent disability rating prior to May 27, 2010. The case is remanded for further action regarding SMC based on housebound criteria.

The Veteran's lumbar spine IVDS with spondylolisthesis and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy were granted ratings, but the Veteran still requires further development for his claims.

The Board has determined that new VA examinations are necessary to assess the current severity of the Veteran's right arm disability and to clarify its cause. The appeal is being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and awarded a total disability rating based on individual unemployability from November 25, 2015. The issue of TDIU prior to that date is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, low back disorder, right knee disorder, and bilateral ankle disorders. Specifically, VA treatment records are needed, verification of the Veteran's service during active duty, and an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is incomplete due to missing procedural documents, including an NOD, SOC, and substantive appeal. The Board finds a further internal attempt to obtain these documents would not be reasonable or practical.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lower back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy due to their inextricable link with the pending claim of service connection for fibromyalgia.

The Board has denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for depressive disorder, hypertension, and a low back disability. The claim for bilateral knee disability was also denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates are being remanded due to the addition of new VA treatment records. The case will be returned to the RO for review.

The Veteran's current headache disability was first manifest during active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The claims for increased ratings of lumbar strain, left ear hearing loss, left hip flexion, right hip flexion, limited adduction and rotation of the left hip before February 20, 2020, rating in excess of 10 percent for limitation of adduction and rotation of the left hip since February 20, 2020, compensable ratings for right hip flexion and limited adduction and rotation of the right hip before February 20, 2020, and service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability are all remanded.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial staged ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as his TDIU claim prior to May 10, 2022, are being remanded due to incomplete development. The AOJ is instructed to obtain SSA records and schedule a VA examination for the Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine and associated right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, and right arm disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded two issues: the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar spine disability and his claim for a separate disability rating for bladder impairment, which is secondary to his lumbar spine disability. The remand requires additional examination and opinion regarding these claims.

The Veteran's claim for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) has been granted, with the condition believed to have started during service.,Service connection was denied for a nose injury and respiratory disorder due to lack of evidence supporting their existence or association with service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and adjudication due to errors in previous opinions. The Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder and back disabilities are being reviewed again.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant requested withdrawal of all issues, including the one regarding a disability rating for lumbar spine strain.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of evidence showing a current disability at any point approximate to or after filing her October 2015 claim.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee, shin splints (left and right legs), and lower back disabilities. The VA examinations obtained in December 2022 are inadequate and require further clarification.