Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected orthopedic disabilities caused or aggravated his back disability. The matter is now for further development and a new examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was evaluated at a maximum of 10 percent prior to October 27, 2022, and at a maximum of 40 percent from that date.,An initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his lumbar spine condition and whether he has separate disabilities in his left and right lower extremities that are secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome and associated left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease, finding that the Veteran's current disability is at least as likely as not caused by his military service. The other issues on appeal are either denied or remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to incomplete examination findings and failure to consider the use of medication during flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to MST and a back disability. The claims will be reviewed with additional development, including obtaining verification of in-service stressors and conducting VA examinations.

The Veteran's right ring finger disability is rated as noncompensable, and the claim for a compensable rating is denied.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent prior to August 3, 2020, and the claim for an increased rating is denied. The claim for an initial rating of 30 percent from August 3, 2020, is granted.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent prior to August 3, 2020, and the claim for a higher rating is denied. The claim for a higher rating from August 3, 2020, is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of proper compliance with VA examination requirements and for further development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for right hip, left hip, and right knee disabilities secondary to a service-connected left knee total arthroplasty. However, these claims have been denied as there is no evidence showing that the current conditions are related to active service or the service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete verification of the Veteran's periods of active duty for training (ADT) and inactive duty for training (IDT).

The Board has remanded the case for further development and medical opinions regarding service connection for various conditions, including a thoracolumbar spine disorder, lower extremity pain, psychiatric disorders, hip, and knee issues.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his in-service injuries. The VA is directed to obtain relevant medical records and schedule the Veteran for a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral eye traumatic angle recession with pigmentary dispersion, peripheral vestibular disorder, PTSD with TBI, lumbosacral strain, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, right knee strain, and right hip degenerative joint disease are all granted. The rating for the peripheral vestibular disorder is increased to 30 percent prior to June 15, 2022. The Veteran's PTSD with TBI remains at a 70 percent rating. The lumbosacral strain is rated at 20 percent. The right shoulder degenerative joint disease and right knee strain are both denied higher ratings. The right hip degenerative joint disease based on limitation of flexion is also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, tinnitus, a low back disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded.

From April 7, 2009 to September 15, 2022, the Veteran's service-connected back disability has been productive of functional limitations that have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.,Effective September 15, 2022, a TDIU is granted.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease and annular tear of the lumbar spine, which was previously denied. The Veteran's low back pain is related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable, as his education and work history were considered. The evidence showed he could perform sedentary work despite his conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability. The evidence did not support a finding that these disabilities began during active service or were related to in-service injuries.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbosacral strain, bilateral knee disorder, headaches, sinus disorder, and gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or chronicity of these conditions, and the medical opinions provided did not support a nexus to service.