Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral pes planus are related to service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted an increased evaluation to 40 percent effective March 1, 2017. The Board found that the increase in disability level occurred prior to November 30, 2016 and within one year of the claim date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral strain is related to an in-service injury, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee condition, sinus condition, bilateral feet pain, and back condition due to a lack of VA examinations.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including a new medical examination to evaluate his back and lower extremity radiculopathy conditions. The Veteran seeks higher ratings for these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for degenerative osteophytes of the lumbosacral spine and initial rating for osteoarthritis of the right hip is being remanded due to new evidence from a recent hip replacement.

The Veteran's back disability, including headaches and fatigue, residuals of TBI, left ankle impingement syndrome, and left foot plantar fasciitis are granted initial ratings. However, the issues related to service connection for these conditions remain pending as they require additional evidence.

The claim to reopen service connection for a back disorder is granted, and the case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of her back disorder.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating of back disability and earlier effective date for TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for back disability prior to June 24, 2011, or a rating in excess of 40 percent since June 24, 2011. Additionally, it was determined that there was no entitlement to an earlier effective date for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and/or maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU on an extraschedular basis. The need for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person is also warranted due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate etiology opinions, and will require new opinions regarding the Veteran's low back condition, right knee condition, left knee condition, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve, and right lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the femoral nerve have been granted initial ratings of 40%, 60%, and 30% respectively, effective August 12, 2013. The left lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve and the left lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the femoral nerve are denied.

The Board has determined that there has not been substantial compliance with the previous remand directives regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine and cervical spine disorders. As a result, another remand is required.

The Board has found the VA medical opinions obtained in connection with the May 2022 Board remand are inadequate and requires further development to determine the etiology of any diagnosed lumbar spine, foot, and migraine disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claim for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's low back disability, including scoliosis, bulging disc, central canal narrowing, and degenerative disc disease, is related to service. The examiner must consider the Veteran's reports of in-service injury and post-service symptoms.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back disability, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity due to conflicting opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, neck condition, hypertension, and abdominal pain and nausea due to conflicting evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran is requested to undergo examinations to determine if these conditions are related to her in-service injuries or other service-connected conditions.

The Board has vacated the August 2022 decision and remanded three issues: service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, service connection for a lumbosacral spine condition, and entitlement to TDIU. The remaining issue of service connection for a prostate condition was granted.

The Veteran's increased evaluation for his back disability is denied, and he is granted a 40 percent rating each for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Board also found that the criteria for TDIU were not met.

The appeal of the compensable rating for bilateral shin splints and earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for bilateral shin splints is dismissed.,The claim to reopen service connection for cervical spine disability is granted, but a higher rating remains denied.,The Veteran's urinary incontinence prior to September 6, 2018, does not warrant a compensable rating. From September 6, 2018, the current 40 percent rating is appropriate.,Restoration of a 40 percent rating for lumbar spine disability from July 31, 2014, to present is granted.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not meet criteria for higher than 40 percent ratings at any point during the appeal period.