Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and scheduling issues for a new examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's lower back disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed bilateral knee, right hip, and back disabilities. The case will be returned for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for left hip strain, low back disability, right and left heel spurs, and diabetes mellitus, type II.,However, the claims for an initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), service connection for cerebrovascular accident claimed as a stroke, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II; and service connection for a fractured pelvis are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for a left knee disorder, as the evidence does not show that it is related to service.,Service connection for a right knee disorder and a lumbar spine disorder are also denied as secondary to the left knee disorder.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, left sciatic nerve radiculopathy, right sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and left femoral nerve radiculopathy have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent each. The Veteran's left hip degenerative joint disease status/post total replacement has been granted a temporary total rating from December 3, 2013 to January 31, 2015, and a disability rating of 70 percent from February 1, 2015 to July 23, 2018. The Veteran's left hip degenerative joint disease status/post total replacement has been denied for ratings in excess of 70 percent since July 24, 2018.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities and their relationship to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and benefits related to her TBI and other conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his PTSD and TBI, have rendered him unable to dress or undress himself and require regular aid and attendance due to his mental incapacity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for back, left knee, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities, as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder. The reasons include needing to address unresolved medical questions regarding alcohol consumption and its impact on the Veteran's disability picture.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, back disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral ankle disability as secondary to his now service-connected bilateral foot disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are currently being remanded due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of a back disability due to deficiencies in VA examinations. The Veteran's complaints of numbness are also being considered as they may raise a claim for cervical spine condition with left arm radiculopathy.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, the highest rating available based on limitation of motion. The Board finds no evidence of ankylosis or impairment comparable to ankylosis.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent from February 1, 2016 to November 22, 2022. The claim for increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the femoral nerves remains in appellate status.

The Veteran's claims for rhinosinusitis and chronic allergic conjunctivitis have been denied as there is no evidence of current conditions or a link to service.,The Veteran's lumbosacral strain, left shoulder rotator cuff injury, and migraine headaches are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder and sleep apnea were denied. The claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for the lumbosacral strain prior to November 19, 2015 was denied, but he is now granted a 40 percent rating from that date onward.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is rated at 40 percent since March 22, 2018.,The Veteran's left side sciatica is rated at 40 percent since March 22, 2018.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The Veteran was granted TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left knee, right knee, and low back disabilities are granted. Additionally, his claim for hypertension due to in-service herbicide exposure is granted under the PACT Act.,Service connection is established for bilateral knee and low back arthritis as they began during active service.

The Veteran's disability rating for lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease was increased to 20 percent effective December 21, 2021.