Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability caused or aggravated his left knee, left ankle, and lumbar spine disabilities. The examiner is to consider obesity as a potential intermediate factor.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied due to her failure to report for necessary VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to his military service. The VA needs to obtain private treatment records and provide an updated opinion from a clinician.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is rated at 10 percent from November 29, 2010, and denied for a higher rating. The right upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 70 percent since January 12, 2023.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine condition and a right thumb condition due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The Veteran contends his conditions are related to in-service injuries, but the VA examiner did not provide sufficient rationale or consider all relevant medical evidence.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for his low back disability, right knee disability, and sinusitis as he withdrew these claims through his authorized representative.

The Board has remanded the claim for further development and adjudication due to failure to comply with previous remand orders. The Veteran needs to undergo a VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected lumbosacral sprain and degenerative arthritis.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for cervical spine strain, service connection for bilateral flat foot, and service connection for lumbosacral strain due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

Service connection for a right foot disability and a right ankle disability has been granted, but only to the extent that they are related to service. The Veteran's preexisting conditions were not aggravated by her period of service.,The Veteran's low back/lumbar spine disability and tension headaches have not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis is rated at 100 percent effective February 24, 2020.,A TDIU was granted beginning March 13, 2017. The issue of a TDIU for the period when the 100 percent rating is in effect is moot due to the grant of special monthly compensation based on housebound status.,Special monthly compensation at the statutory housebound rate is granted effective February 24, 2020.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease with IVDS has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 25, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to new evidence received, which raises the possibility of substantiating his claim. The case will be reviewed again by VA.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his back disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his right foot condition, as well as functional loss due to flare-ups and repetitive use.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability and frostbite of the feet have been remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for left rotator cuff tear, residual fracture of the sternum, and residuals of broken fingers are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a lumbar spine disability and right shoulder disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The VA is instructed to obtain STRs, conduct additional examinations, and provide addendum opinions.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to July 19, 2019. The case is being remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that there is a question regarding the credibility of the Veteran's statements about continuous back pain after service. The case is being remanded for an addendum opinion from another examiner to determine if the Veteran's current back disability had its onset in or is otherwise related to his military service.

The Board has found that the July 2023 VA examination is inadequate and remands the case for a new evaluation to determine if the Veteran's low back disability was incurred in or related to his active-duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion from a June 2021 VA examiner regarding the Veteran's back disability. The case is now being sent back for further evaluation and consideration.

The Veteran's neck and shoulder disabilities are related to his active service, resulting in a grant of service connection.,For the period prior to December 30, 2019, the Veteran's asthma did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.