Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran was awarded SMC(o) based on multiple service-connected disabilities, and SMC(r)(1) for need of aid and attendance. The Board found the criteria for higher levels of SMC were not met.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development regarding the Veteran's bilateral hip disability. The claim to reopen service connection for a lumbar spine disability is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of 50 percent for migraines was granted. The appeals for the increased ratings for degenerative disc disease and bilateral pes planus were remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his chronic low back strain due to insufficient evidence from previous examinations and the need for further medical evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected right and left knee osteoarthritis, dorsolumbar back pain with degenerative arthritis, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and GERD were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for any condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board denied a higher rating, finding that the evidence did not show diastolic blood pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic blood pressure predominantly 200 or more.,For the period prior to May 19, 2016, the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board granted a 20 percent rating, finding that the evidence showed forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees.,For the period from May 19, 2016 onward, the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board denied a higher rating, finding that the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.,For the period prior to November 23, 2022, the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board granted a higher rating, finding that the evidence showed moderate incomplete paralysis.,For the period prior to November 23, 2022, the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy was rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board denied a higher rating, finding that the evidence did not show moderately severe incomplete paralysis, severe incomplete, or complete paralysis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as he did not meet the economic component of the criteria. The initial rating for lumbosacral strain in excess of 10 percent prior to November 16, 2022, and in excess of 40 percent from that date is remanded due to outstanding treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected PTSD. The lower back condition and malignant hypertension are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine condition has been reopened, and the case is remanded to determine if it is at least as likely as not that his current lumbar spine condition was caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral pes planus. The TDIU issue is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back disability, which includes degenerative arthritis and IVDS, was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating than 20 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder disorder and migraine headaches on a secondary basis to the Veteran's service-connected neck disability. Service connection for back disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities are granted service connection, but his sleep apnea is denied. The case for the cervical spine disability is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder and sleep apnea due to their withdrawal by the Veteran's authorized representative. The remaining issues of rating PTSD, including whether the reduction was proper, and TDIU are being remanded for further review.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been remanded due to the legacy appeal system not being opted into the modernized review system.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for right shoulder, bilateral wrist, and lumbar spine disabilities is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports that do not account for the functional impact of flare-ups.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various peripheral neuropathies and a neck disability have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and active duty service.,Service connection was not granted for essential thrombocythemia, neck disability, back disability, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, or right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disability. The case will be returned for further development and an addendum opinion from a qualified examiner.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine disability and radiculopathies, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to July 16, 2021. The Board has granted TDIU for this period.