Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to incomplete records. The VA needs to obtain VistA images associated with his chiropractic care.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a neck condition, low back condition, and headaches due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck condition is reopened.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to incomplete records from Dr. Kuntz, a private endocrinologist.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left shoulder disability, and bilateral knee disability due to insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran is entitled to a VA examination for each condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine DJD is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show limitation of forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, nor favorable ankylosis.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than December 1, 2006 for the grant of service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied.,The Veteran was granted service connection for a low back disorder (40 percent) and an acquired psychiatric disorder (50 percent), both effective from December 1, 2006.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are rated at 40 percent since August 24, 2019. The right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with these conditions are each rated at 20 percent. A separate 20 percent rating is granted for left lung spontaneous pneumothorax. A 20 percent rating is also granted for chest wall scars. Prior to January 24, 2022, the Veteran's narcolepsy was rated at 10 percent; as of that date, it is rated at 20 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of records from an emergency room visit during basic training. The VA is required to attempt to locate and secure these records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and verification of stressors.

The Board has determined that there are potentially outstanding VA medical records and the Veteran should be given the opportunity to provide updated records. Additionally, he should undergo another examination for his sleep apnea, low back disability, right lower extremity shin splints, and left lower extremity shin splints claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for additional development, including new VA examinations and clarification of medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck, back, hernia, and carpal tunnel syndrome (left and right hands) due to incomplete records and lack of contemporaneous medical evidence. The AOJ is directed to obtain all relevant records, including service personnel records, and schedule a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the remand is necessary to address issues related to service connection for lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to incomplete development in previous opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran needs regular aid and attendance or housebound status based on his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to determine these requirements.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were remanded by the Board. The case is now before the Board again.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied prior to March 17, 2017 due to his service-connected orthopedic disabilities. From March 17, 2017, the Veteran has been granted a TDIU based solely on his service-connected orthopedic disabilities.,The Veteran is now eligible for SMC at the housebound rate since November 22, 2017 due to his combined rating of 100 percent and other service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as service-connected.,There is no evidence of a current right knee condition, and the claim for this issue is denied.,Similarly, there is no evidence of a current left knee condition, and the claim for this issue is also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development regarding service connection for thoracolumbar and cervical spine disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain (low back pain) has been reopened. The claims for neck and back disabilities are remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee strain with patellofemoral pain syndrome and intervertebral disc syndrome with lumbosacral strain are remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the severity of his conditions.