Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including whether it is related to service or secondary to her cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for DDD of the cervical spine status post cervical sprain was denied as there was no unadjudicated formal or informal claim prior to August 15, 2018.,The effective date for service connection for radiculopathy of the left and right upper extremities was set at October 31, 2017 due to new evidence received within one year of a previous rating decision.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraine headaches was denied as he is already receiving the maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 8100.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for DDD of the cervical spine status post cervical sprain was denied as there was no unadjudicated formal or informal claim prior to August 15, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for shin splints and lumbar spine disability due to a lack of development regarding her in-service injuries and post-service symptoms.

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral pes planus, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and tinnitus as well as the appeal for an increased rating for tinea pedis due to untimely filings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to new evidence and issues related to service connection, rating, and TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient reasons and bases for denying the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid attendance/housebound status. Further development is needed to distinguish between service-connected conditions and non-service-connected conditions that affect the Veteran's ability to perform self-care functions.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating of 40 percent for his service-connected lumbar spine condition, which occurred after November 30, 2017, is granted. The claim for an extension of the temporary total evaluation due to convalescence following his May 16, 2017, lumbar spine surgery through November 30, 2017, is also granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to procedural errors and the need for a new VA examination. The appellant's back disability is potentially related to service, but the exact etiology needs clarification. His acquired psychiatric disorder may also be related to his back disability.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's PTSD, hearing loss, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and hypertension. The Veteran is also being asked to complete forms for a TDIU claim.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck (cervical spine) disability, but denied service connection for a low back (lumbar spine) disability.

The Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea, left shoulder condition (arthritis), low back disability, migraine headaches, and cervical spine disability have all been granted. The appeals were decided on the merits of the evidence presented.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for flatfoot and back condition due to new and material evidence. The claim for bilateral hip conditions is also remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for lumbar muscle spasm and TDIU due to incomplete retrospective opinion on the severity of the Veteran's back disability. Additional development is required, including obtaining a retrospective opinion from an appropriate clinician.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 10 percent for DDD of the lumbar spine, residuals of fracture L-4 prior to October 21, 2009 was denied. From October 21, 2009, to February 5, 2010, a 20 percent rating was granted. The claim for a higher rating from February 5, 2010, to September 15, 2011, and from September 15, 2011, to September 27, 2011, was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his hearing loss, back disability, TBI residuals, and neck disability. The Board finds that the current evidence does not provide sufficient information to determine if there has been a change in the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for a low back disability was granted. Service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities were also granted. The claims for right and left knee disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's headaches are rated at a 30 percent rating prior to June 27, 2018 and denied for higher ratings. The Veteran is granted a TDIU from August 24, 2022.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 50 percent, effective November 1, 2015. His other knee and ankle disabilities remain at their current ratings.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and he was granted service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The case has been remanded for additional development regarding the surgical scar.

The Board has determined that additional relevant VA treatment records should be obtained and considered as part of the remand process. The Veteran is advised to provide any private or federal medical records in their possession.