Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine strain, headaches associated with post-concussive syndrome (PCS), and psychiatric disorder associated with PCS are all rated based on their individual merits. The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine appropriate ratings.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted a 40 percent rating from May 2, 2007 to January 7, 2020. The right and left upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities were also granted ratings of 40 percent for the right upper extremity and 30 percent for the left upper extremity from January 7, 2020 onwards.

The Veteran's back disability is being remanded for further medical development as the VA examination did not provide sufficient information regarding where pain begins during range of motion testing.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and examination, including service connection claims for various conditions. The Veteran's claim for refractive error is denied as it is a congenital disorder not subject to service connection. Service connection for tuberculosis exposure is also denied due to lack of current disability. Other claims are pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a back disability and has determined that he is entitled to this benefit based on direct evidence of a link between his in-service fall and his current condition.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has not been manifested by ankylosis, and the VA examiner found forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to be 30 degrees or less. Therefore, his claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, low back, right wrist, and left wrist disabilities due to inadequate opinions in the previous VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a back disability, respiratory disability (COPD), hepatitis C, and balance issues due to VA's failure to substantially comply with its previous remand instructions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection of a back disability, right knee disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that his left knee disability aggravated his pre-existing back condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations, and a new examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability, right hip disability, and right knee disability due to new evidence received since previous decisions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus is denied as the current 10 percent evaluation is the maximum available.,Service connection for high cholesterol is denied because it does not meet VA compensation criteria.,A TDIU award is granted based on service-connected disabilities preventing substantial gainful employment.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for schizophrenia remains remanded due to potential aggravation of pre-existing conditions.,Claims for higher ratings for right rotator cuff tendonitis, lumbosacral strain, and bilateral knee osteoarthritis are also remanded.,Claims for higher ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, and metatarsalgia remain remanded.,Claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), allergic rhinitis, internal hemorrhoids, right colon adenoma, umbilical hernia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and insomnia are all remanded.,The Veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied service connection for a right colon adenoma is also remanded.,Service connection claims for an umbilical hernia secondary to the right colon adenoma and diabetes mellitus remain remanded.,Claims for service connection for heart disability, including hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and insomnia are all remanded.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, finding the character of discharge due to willful and persistent misconduct constitutes a bar to VA benefits.

The Veteran's application to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for a back condition is granted. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received, but the matter should be remanded for further development as a VA examination is needed to address the nature and etiology of his claimed back condition.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits and special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance (SMP-AA) is denied as he does not meet the requirements of being permanently and totally disabled due to nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including migraine headaches, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, obstructive sleep apnea, radiculopathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves of the left lower extremity, eczema, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The Veteran was granted service connection for migraine headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and TDIU. The issues of increased ratings are pending, while the issue of TDIU is inferred based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and denied service connection for diabetes, back condition, and bilateral shoulder condition. The decision is based on the evidence showing a history of elevated blood pressure during service that eventually led to hypertension.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed bilateral varicose veins, bilateral feet disability or pes planus, upper back disability, lower back disability, and left knee disability. The claims for service connection in these areas are being remanded.