Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease is rated at 40 percent, and a separate 20 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy was granted starting May 3, 2021. The Board also granted the Veteran TDIU from June 2, 2018 to January 19, 2021.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various foot and back conditions, as well as his claim for an increased rating for breast scars status post breast reduction, are not fully developed. The Veteran is advised to provide any private medical records or authorize VA to obtain them in order to support these claims.

The Veteran's back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted initial ratings of 20% each, effective March 5, 2009. A TDIU has also been granted from this date.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for various conditions are being remanded due to the need to obtain outstanding treatment records from TRICARE.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and missed VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected back disability with bilateral sciatica, and then readjudicate the TDIU claim.

The Board has found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to service, but more evidence is needed to determine if it is aggravated by other service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to potential issues with the Veteran's death status.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating for PTSD was denied as her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100% rating.,Service connection for headaches was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to military service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, uterine fibroids, and low back disability are all granted service connection. The rating for residuals of post-traumatic swan neck deformity in the right ring finger remains at noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for back, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran's MOS as a mechanic is cited as a potential factor.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives. The case is being returned for further development, including obtaining inpatient hospital records and line of duty investigation documentation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened due to new and material evidence. The claims for back disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, and lung condition are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to February 11, 2022, as well as SMC based on aid and attendance are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and procedural steps.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease and cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy, is a result of his military service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as incomplete or inadequate examination reports. The issues include service connection for various upper extremity neurological disorders, a right shoulder disorder, a lumbar spine disorder, breast reduction, and a cervical disorder (claimed as cancerous tissue).

The Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea, sinusitis, respiratory disability, restless leg syndrome, right wrist and knee disabilities, cardiac disability, lumbar spine disability, fibromyalgia, hand tremors, headache, fatigue, and bilateral hearing loss have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for these conditions due to lack of current diagnoses or causal links.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a back disability, an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder prior to May 16, 2013, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter, and entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to May 3, 2011. The remand includes obtaining retrospective opinions on the Veteran's functional ability during flares for the entire period on appeal and determining whether his ED was caused or aggravated by his service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetic retinopathy and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine due to lack of evidence establishing a nexus between these conditions and service.