Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has dismissed the appeals for ratings in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral spine strain with degenerative disc disease and entitlement to a rating of total disability due to individual unemployability based upon service-connected disorders prior to August 2, 2010. The appeal is dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a back disability is being remanded due to the failure to obtain a medical opinion as instructed in the previous remand order.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, left shoulder and residuals of a head injury disabilities. However, due to incomplete records from his in-service period, a remand is necessary to obtain VA examinations to determine the etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding the issues of service connection for low back, left elbow, and left knee conditions, as well as an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal because his April 2017 substantive appeal was not timely filed, and thus the April 2015 rating decision is final.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues, including service connection for various conditions and rating claims. The Board has determined that further examination and/or medical opinions are needed to address these matters.

The Veteran's left knee instability is restored to a 10 percent rating from April 28, 2017 to March 5, 2021. Service connection for atrophic vulvovaginitis and degenerative disc disease and arthritis lumbar spine are granted as secondary to service-connected left knee.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for her lumbar para spinal muscle spasms (spinal condition) is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for left knee limitation of extension is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for symptomatic patellar tendonitis of the left knee with degenerative arthritis is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no current disability of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back, right shoulder, and right knee disabilities were remanded due to inadequate examinations.

The Board has denied service connection for gastric ulcer and lower back disability, with the upper back disability being remanded for further examination.

The Board has denied service connection for a right ankle condition and has remanded the issues of service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, left hip, and right hip conditions, as well as plantar fasciitis and blood clot condition (secondary to lumbar spine condition).

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine strain is remanded due to the failure to attend a scheduled VA examination and incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

Effective July 23, 2009, a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's low back disability is granted.,Effective May 20, 2009, a 20 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the appropriate ratings for his bilateral plantar fasciitis, DDD of the lumbar spine, hip disabilities, and cervical degenerative joint disease. The effective date claim for service connection remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back, neck, and right lower extremity disabilities. The rating assigned is 60 percent effective from January 1, 2015.

The Veteran's low back disorder is granted service connection, with a grant of a compensable rating for hearing loss denied.,Service connection for joint pain (other than right toe/foot joint) is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, lower back disability, erectile dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and carpal tunnel syndrome of the bilateral upper extremities have been reopened. The claims are granted.,Service connection is established for migraine headaches as secondary to a service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed and depressed mood; for a lower back disability due to active duty service; for erectile dysfunction as secondary to a service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed and depressed mood; and for carpal tunnel syndrome of the bilateral upper extremities due to active duty service.

The Veteran's back brace, bilateral knee braces caused wear and tear to his clothing in 2014. The Board granted annual clothing allowances for the use of a right knee brace, left knee brace, and back brace.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, right hip, and left hip disorders due to inadequate examination opinions and lack of VA etiology opinions.