Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and evaluation, including obtaining additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service-connected conditions and their relationship to VA treatment.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for low back disability, cervical dysplasia, post-traumatic stress disorder with depressive disorder, and plantar fasciitis of the bilateral feet. The Veteran's new evidence is sufficient to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of ankylosis or other severe functional impairment, and thus, he did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to inadequate pre-decisional duty to assist errors in the March 2020 VA opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding private treatment records at Big Lake Clinic and Lighthouse Chiropractic Health Center. The Veteran is asked to provide information about these facilities so that VA can obtain their records.

The Board has remanded the claims for a broken right zygomatic arch, missing tooth for VA compensation, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, GAD, panic disorder, and/or PTSD), sleep disorder, facial scars, and back disability due to incomplete development of records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development regarding the Veteran's ability to work due to his service-connected disabilities, particularly ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for current VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine, bilateral knee and left ankle disabilities.

The Veteran is granted TDIU based on all service-connected disabilities from December 19, 2016, to December 19, 2022, and TDIU based on the left hip orthopedic disability alone since December 20, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance from June 9, 2017.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss since February 20, 2014, was denied. The issue of an increased initial rating for lumbar spine disorder and associated radiculopathy issues is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left knee strain is dismissed.,Service connection granted for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected left knee strain, and right knee disability and lumbar spine disability are also granted. Service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted.,A remand is ordered for a determination on the Veteran's claim of an increased rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The appeal for service connection of the low back condition, gastrointestinal problems, and bilateral eye conditions is granted. The Veteran's claims are remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a left shoulder disability and low back disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection. The Veteran is presumed to have had no pre-existing conditions, but his current disabilities may be related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for updated VA treatment records, VR&E records, and clarification of the Veteran's occupational history. The Veteran must also undergo VA examinations to determine the severity of his lumbar spine, cervical spine, and left ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent from June 15, 2018 to September 10, 2020. The claim for a higher rating remains denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or IVDS during this period.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle and right heel disabilities are found to have caused or contributed to his lumbar spine disabilities. His right hip disability is also found to be related to his active-duty service.

The Board denied service connection for low back and neck disorders, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim from February 16, 2016 is granted. The appeal for service connection and increased rating for bilateral hearing loss are dismissed.