Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his low back disorder is being remanded due to the need for a current examination. The effective date for service connection remains December 29, 2015.

The Veteran's claim to reopen her service connection for back disability is granted, and the issue of service connection itself is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected back disability due to inadequate examination findings and incomplete responses. The Veteran needs additional VA treatment records from July 2017 to the present, and a clarifying opinion from the August 2020 examiner regarding pain severity and functional loss during flare-ups.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for low back strain with limitation of motion is remanded due to inconsistencies in the June 2022 VA examination report and the need to obtain additional VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of her left and right hip conditions, finding that there was no evidence to support a secondary relationship between these conditions and her service-connected back condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of his lumbar spine disorder and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea are both remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated at 10 percent since March 6, 2012. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating as it did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees. The cervical spine disability was also rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease (DDD), is granted service connection.,The Veteran's cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is also granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for asthma has been dismissed. The claim of service connection for a bilateral foot disability is reopened, but the claims for other conditions are still pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has decided that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's lower back disability was incurred during service. The decision will be remanded for further action.

The Board denied service connection for neck, low back, and bilateral knee conditions as there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.,No specific exposure basis (e.g., burn pit, Agent Orange) was mentioned.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for higher ratings in both conditions, and the Board dismissed these appeals.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of service connection for a cervical spine disorder should be remanded due to inadequate examination and lack of consideration of all relevant diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to the need for VA examination reports and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's back disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and left ankle disability are all being remanded for further review due to the need for additional evidence or clarification.

Your service connection claims for bilateral knee disabilities and a lumbar spine disability have been granted, but the appeal is dismissed as your issues are no longer pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection on appeal are remanded due to a lack of VA examinations and opinions. The Veteran is entitled to VA examinations to determine if she has any diagnosed conditions, and whether those conditions may be related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to exposure to burn pits and other toxins during his military service, including his MOS as a vehicle repairer. The case will be reviewed with additional medical opinions considering the synergistic effect of all toxic exposures.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of medical evidence confirming whether the Veteran's reported symptoms in 2013 and 2014 are consistent with radiculopathy. The case is now pending for further consideration.