Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the medical opinions provided, specifically regarding the severity and functional loss of the Veteran's coccyx fracture residuals with lumbar spine conditions. The VA examiner is requested to provide additional information on these matters.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee and lumbar spine disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, consistent with his level of education and prior employment history. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and lack of consideration of relevant medical articles. The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is related to service, but further evidence is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, right knee tendinitis (limitation of flexion), and lumbar strain due to inadequate examinations. The claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is being reviewed for service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connection due to continuity of symptomatology.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hearing loss for VA compensation purposes.,Service connection for an acquired mental health disorder (including PTSD and insomnia disorder) is remanded as there are conflicting opinions regarding its etiology.,Service connection for a left knee disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence on the issue.,Service connection for a low back disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence on the issue.,Service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded as there are conflicting opinions regarding its etiology.,Service connection for bilateral blepharitis is remanded as there are conflicting opinions regarding its etiology.,Service connection for a headache disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence on the issue.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, tinnitus, and headache disorder due to the lack of evidence showing onset or continuity of symptoms during service.,There is no credible evidence linking current disabilities with service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain, service connection for bilateral glaucoma (claimed as eye strain), and a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability was restored to a prior rating of 20 percent. Separate ratings of 60 percent for the left lower extremity and 40 percent for the right lower extremity were granted effective April 23, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating of 100 percent.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease (arthritis) was also denied, with the current evaluation of 20% continuing due to recent improvement in condition.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU based on service-connected PTSD and lumbar spine disability was granted.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spondylosis with spinal stenosis was denied. The Board also granted TDIU prior to December 10, 2018.

The Board has remanded the cases for a statement of the case addressing the issues of service connection for chest injury residuals and back disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that his current condition is related to his period of active-duty service.

The Veteran's sinusitis with headaches is currently rated at 50 percent effective December 6, 2022. The Board has remanded the issue of an increased rating for this condition.,For the lumbar spine disability, the Veteran was previously granted a 20% rating prior to January 7, 2014, and denied any higher ratings thereafter. The Board has also remanded this issue.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 40 percent from November 17, 2020. The Board has remanded the issue of an increased rating for this condition.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability. The case is remanded for further development, including scheduling an examination closer to the Veteran's residence.

The Board denied increased ratings for lumbar strain with IVDS, RLE and LLE radiculopathy, sciatic, RLE and LLE radiculopathy, femoral. The evidence did not show the Veteran's conditions were manifested by greater than moderate symptoms or intensity.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including rating determinations and service connection for various conditions. The case is returned to the AOJ for initial review of new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding that there is no credible evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss and has remanded his claims for higher ratings for low back disability, associated lumbar radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and other issues related to his low back.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease, finding that the evidence is approximately evenly balanced regarding whether it is related to active service.