Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar spine disability, RLE and LLE peripheral nerve disorders, and OSA due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as the authorized representative requested withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The reduction of the Veteran's DDD thoracic spine rating from 40% to 10%, effective May 17, 2019 was improper. The 40% rating is restored as of that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral strain status post laminectomy is at least as likely as not related to his service, including heavy lifting and accompanying back pain during active duty.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disability and a left knee disability, finding that the evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for a mechanical low back disability and an upper back disability, finding that the Veteran's complaints of back pain during service have continued since then.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disorder and low back disorder, finding that these conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee strain. The other issues have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability.,For lumbosacral strain, the rating higher than 20 percent is denied. The Veteran has symptoms of pain and limited range of motion but no ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.,PTSD was rated at 30% prior to January 20, 2023, and at 50% thereafter. The claim for a higher rating is denied as the evidence does not show occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,The Veteran's residuals of TBI have been compensated by separate ratings and do not warrant an additional rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected lumbar spine posterior facet degenerative changes, finding that the evidence did not support an increased rating beyond 20 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and stomach condition. The Board found no nexus between the current disabilities and active service, with the exception of a negative opinion regarding the stomach condition on secondary basis to migraine headaches and/or low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, specifically whether it is related to service.

The Veteran's lumbar DDD with IVDS and left leg radiculopathy are both remanded for further evaluation due to possible worsening of symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent from February 1, 2015 to February 1, 2016.,TDIU was granted for the entire appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that her symptoms began during service and are related to her active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability is related to service, or caused by or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a more comprehensive VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected low back disability, including any flare-ups and their impact on function.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity or continuity of care for the condition while in service and within one year after discharge. The Board also found insufficient evidence to establish secondary service connection due to his right and left knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an additional VA addendum opinion to address whether his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and associated radiculopathy aggravated his diagnosed urinary incontinence and/or male erectile disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, left knee, and right knee conditions due to incomplete records and inadequate opinions. The AOJ is required to obtain relevant service and private medical records and provide an adequate opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.