Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for memory loss is denied as the evidence does not support a separate rating.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, degenerative arthritis of the spine with spinal fusion (back disability), and restless leg syndrome are remanded due to insufficient development or evaluation.,Service connection was granted for these conditions but the effective dates were not established. The Board finds that additional development is needed.

The Board has dismissed the claims for restoration of severance of service connection for lumbar spine DDD and sciatic nerve (right lower radiculopathy) associated with lumbar spine DDD as these claims have already been denied in a previous Board decision.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for lumbar strain and service connection for radiculopathy of both upper and lower extremities are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder alone is preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and he is granted a TDIU.,The Veteran has been found to be permanently housebound due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected traumatic brain injury. The claims for lumbar spine and acquired psychiatric disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and left elbow distal bicep rupture have been granted. The back disability is presumed due to service in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations, while the left elbow issue is related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The issues of entitlement to service connection for skin cysts, a sinus disability and a back disability are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected left hip, shoulder and cervical spine disabilities have been remanded for further evaluation due to the need for additional medical evidence or clarification of the disability ratings.

The Veteran's service connection for migraine headaches, low back disability, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted. The Veteran is now rated at 40 percent for his low back disability since July 1, 2012.

The Veteran's lumbar spine osteoarthritis with IVDS is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted based on incapacitating episodes. The Veteran's right hip disability is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of extension prior to November 5, 2018, and remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied higher ratings for the Veteran's service-connected low back disability, left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy due to lack of evidence showing increased severity during the relevant periods.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left shoulder impingement syndrome with osteoarthritis, lumbosacral strain with mild degenerative disc disease, femoral radiculopathy of both lower extremities, and sciatic radiculopathy. The remand requests additional examinations to address functional impairment due to flare-ups and repetitive use.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum available rating under the applicable diagnostic code.,The Veteran's rhinitis is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that there is no evidence of polyps or incapacitating episodes warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's sleep apnea began during active service and is granted.,The Veteran has a current acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and alcohol use disorder related to his in-service stressor. A VA examination is needed to assess whether the Veteran meets the diagnostic criteria for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and earlier effective dates have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the severity of his lumbar spine condition prior to January 14, 2020, and assessing the current severity of his bilateral knee conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected TBI, PTSD, headaches, and lumbar spine conditions are being remanded for further evaluation due to the possibility of worsening symptoms since the last examinations in October 2019. The Veteran must be provided with VA examinations to assess the current severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder is now rated at 20 percent, effective April 10, 2023. The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the left clavicle fracture from October 29, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU related to lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities are being remanded due to receipt of additional VA treatment records.