Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's preexisting scoliosis was aggravated during service, and for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal in writing, indicating satisfaction with the awarded benefits.

The Board has denied increased ratings for headaches, herniated discs of the lumbar spine, status-post fracture of right ankle, and scar of right ankle as a matter of law due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The mood disorder claim is remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, finding that there is not sufficient evidence to establish a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was increased to 50% from December 15, 2015. The low back disability claim is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and left knee instability are granted with a disability rating of 30 percent effective December 17, 2019. The lumbar spine disability remains at a 40 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and cervical spine have been reopened, but both conditions are denied as they did not manifest within one year after separation from service and there is no evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome, and spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine (claimed as low back pain) is granted. The right lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to these conditions is also granted.

The Veteran's initial claim for a lumbar spine disability was granted, and he received a 10% rating. In December 2012, his disability rating was increased to 40%. Additionally, a separate 10% rating was assigned for left lower extremity radiculopathy from June 3, 2004, through June 28, 2010.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of residuals of a stroke, arthritis of the hands and fingers (to include rheumatoid arthritis), left ankle disorder, and thoracolumbar spine disorder have been remanded due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the regular aid and attendance of another person as he is unable to perform daily activities independently due to his physical impairments.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The cervical spine, lumbar spine, right hip, left hip, and kidney disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, right hip strain, and radiculopathies. The Veteran needs to be provided with a VA examination to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings are being remanded due to the need to obtain outstanding TRICARE records.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back disability and remanded the issue of secondary service connection for a heart condition. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional development regarding range of motion findings.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent from April 1, 2015. The claim for an increased rating remains on appeal.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve was granted a separate 10 percent rating effective January 31, 2022.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to inadequate prior VA examination opinions. A new retrospective opinion is needed from a different examiner, preferably a physician, addressing the severity of his lumbar spine disability during the period from March 2006 to January 2020.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his active military service. The evidence shows a diagnosis of lumbosacral strain in March 2020 and credible reports of back symptoms during service and since separation.