Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's migraines are found to be aggravated by service, and she is granted service connection for them. A 10 percent rating for tinnitus is granted. The lumbosacral strain claim is remanded due to increased symptoms not addressed in the previous examination. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition (to include PTSD) and hearing loss are also remanded as new evidence or clarification of medical opinions may be needed. The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to unresolved issues with her service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar disc degeneration and remanded other issues related to the Veteran's right shoulder, left knee, right knee, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal problems, and dental condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequacies in the prior VA examination and the need for a new opinion addressing the Veteran's lay statements regarding his back pain.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected scoliosis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to insufficient examination reports and lack of information on functional limitations.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings and a TDIU. The effective date for service connection is denied, but the Veteran is granted a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an addendum medical opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's low back disability, specifically addressing whether it would result in unfavorable ankylosis without considering the ameliorative effects of medication and other treatments. The case will also be reviewed to obtain non-VA physical therapy records.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims for service connection for back condition and prostate cancer require further development due to incomplete medical opinions and unverified exposure claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inconsistencies in prior examinations and insufficient information regarding the Veteran's disability picture.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and psychiatric condition were granted effective February 27, 2002.,Service connection was established based on the secondary nature of the psychiatric condition to the service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, thoracic spine degenerative disc disease, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity with sciatic nerve impairment, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from July 26, 2017.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection and higher ratings for various conditions, except for the left foot disability. The Board dismissed these appeals.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is rated at 10 percent prior to August 1, 2023 and at 20 percent from that date. The left ankle fracture and dislocation are currently rated at 20 percent. The left hip strain with arthritis and right hip strain with arthritis remain rated at 20 percent each. The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis with knee instability is rated at 10 percent prior to August 1, 2023 and remains rated at 40 percent from that date.,The Board has remanded the cases of left hip strain with arthritis and right hip strain with arthritis for additional examination. The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis with knee instability is also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus, back disability, and left ankle disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs to provide authorization for VA examinations and any private treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination of his lumbar conditions, including radiculopathy. The TDIU claim prior to May 26, 2021, remains on hold as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information on unreimbursed medical expenses and the need for a VA examination to assess the Veteran's physical and mental conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, left shoulder arthritis, and low back condition due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy have not been found to warrant a higher rating, with the exception of a temporary increase in rating since September 6, 2023.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for low back and right knee conditions, as well as an initial rating for left knee disability and TDIU. The Veteran's symptoms of pain in her right knee and back are being evaluated.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain was previously rated at 20 percent, but the RO reduced it to 10 percent effective July 1, 2020. The Board found that there was not material improvement and reinstated the 20 percent rating from July 1, 2020 to August 19, 2020.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and back disabilities, finding that there is no credible evidence to support these conditions began during or were aggravated by military service.