Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran should be afforded new VA examinations to assess his service-connected back disability, sciatica, respiratory disorder other than obstructive sleep apnea or rhinitis (claimed as bronchitis), and Meniere's Syndrome. The claims are being remanded for these evaluations.

The Board denied service connection for both the low back and left ankle injuries, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for further medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claims, as well as his death certificate.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to address his claims of lumbosacral strain, hypertension, and a foot disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address functional impairment caused by flare-ups and to determine if the Veteran is unemployable due to his disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of private treatment records.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and decisions need to be reviewed again, as per previous remand directives. The Veteran's claims for various conditions are being returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right hand fifth metacarpal fracture was withdrawn. The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine arthritis, finding it related to injuries incurred during service.

The Veteran's essential tremor is granted a 30 percent rating, and his TBI residuals with PTSD are granted a 50 percent rating prior to August 10, 2020. The remaining conditions have either not been rated or were denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of his lumbar spine disability and service connection for a cervical spine condition, which is secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and analysis.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 20 percent from November 26, 2021. The Board denied an increased rating for the disability as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a low back condition and a psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional records. The case will be reviewed again with new evidence obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and clarification regarding the Veteran's ability to work due to his service-connected disabilities, particularly diabetes mellitus type II and its associated peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has restored the Veteran's lumbar spine disability rating from 20% to 20%, effective September 19, 2016.

An initial 40 percent rating is granted for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and sacroiliac joint dysfunction, effective November 22, 2004.,A separate 40 percent rating is granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, effective May 21, 2013. The claim for a higher initial rating for this condition is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 30 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and insufficient examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various orthopedic conditions, including lumbar spine degenerative disease, bilateral hips, knees, legs, and feet, as well as hypertension, jaw condition, and headaches.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as all issues have been withdrawn by the appellant.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of plantar warts (claimed as HPV).,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of OSA.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of asthma.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of a back disorder.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of restless leg syndrome of the right leg.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of restless leg syndrome of the left leg.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of bilateral hearing loss.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left index finger limitation of range of motion with lacerated digital nerve is remanded.,An initial compensable rating for scar of the left index finger pad is remanded.,An initial compensable rating for allergic conjunctivitis is remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is not currently rated higher than 10 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating. Separate ratings for knee instability are also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus and a low back disorder has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate these claims at this time.