Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a recurrent bladder disability, rating of lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and effective date for left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy due to incomplete information in the VA evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the VA examination report and the need for additional evidence, including imaging of the Veteran's back.

The Veteran's back disability is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's numbness of hands and fingers is denied as not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded several claims related to the Veteran's lumbar spine strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, and coronary artery disease. The VA is instructed to obtain any outstanding records that could help in resolving these claims.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a cervical spine disability and left upper extremity disability have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims during his November 2021 Board hearing.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for testicular cancer, low back disability, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 has been remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's degenerative changes of the lower lumbar spine and pubic symphysis are granted service connection as they were shown in service. The left shoulder disability is denied as there is no evidence it began during active service or is related to an in-service injury.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a head injury, including memory loss and headaches. The claims for lumbar spine disability, chest pain, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and insomnia disorder, is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied due to lack of current evidence meeting VA compensation criteria.,Service connection for bronchitis/reactive airway disease is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a low back disability is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a left knee disability is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a right knee disability is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a left foot disability is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a right foot disability is remanded for further review.

Service connection is granted for right and left knee patellofemoral instability.,Service connection is also granted for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease (DJD).

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for various spinal and nerve conditions has been granted, with specific ratings assigned. The claims are subject to the laws and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.,A new rating decision grants a 20 percent initial rating for chronic lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease and disc bulges, osteoarthropathy and lumbar osteoarthritis from April 4, 2015 to November 21, 2023. The Veteran's condition is characterized by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain with mild degenerative changes of the spine, but dismissed the claim for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis due to a full grant of benefits.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain is denied. Separate ratings for radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities are granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, left carpal tunnel syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorder, allergic rhinitis, and left testis mass have been granted initial evaluations. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent from December 20, 2023, with a 10 percent evaluation for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve effective since December 20, 2023. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is rated at 10 percent from December 20, 2023, with a non-compensable evaluation for left testis mass.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left lower extremity nerve damage and any back condition secondary to LLE nerve damage, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and her service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the issue of an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for a chronic lumbar strain (lumbar spine disability) can be finally adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to outstanding medical records and need for additional VA examinations. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, right knee disorder, back disorder, and bilateral foot disorder are all under review.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal as his notice of disagreement (NOD) regarding the June 1997 rating decision was untimely filed, and thus, the June 1997 rating decision became final.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disabilities are now rated at 40 percent from October 25, 2017.,The Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy affecting the right sciatic nerve is now rated at 40 percent from October 25, 2017.,The Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy affecting the left sciatic nerve is now rated at 40 percent from October 25, 2017.,The Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy affecting the right anterior crural (femoral) nerve is now rated at 30 percent from April 25, 2023.,The Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy affecting the left anterior crural (femoral) nerve is now rated at 30 percent from April 25, 2023.

The Veteran's PTSD, lumbar spine disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, cervical spine disability, and left knee disability are all granted. The effective dates for these grants are the date of claim (April 9, 2014 for PTSD, May 20, 2015 for other disabilities).