Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's low back condition is rated at 40 percent, effective from October 2, 2019. The Board granted a TDIU from August 23, 2011 and SMC at the housebound rate from December 1, 2012.

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

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including gastrointestinal, elbow, hip, knee, shin, ankle, and foot conditions. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of any of these conditions at the time of her claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as whether there is ankylosis or functional equivalent thereof.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a back disability because no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lower back degenerative disc disease, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The criteria for higher ratings were not met.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left shoulder degenerative arthritis is denied.,The claims for higher ratings for cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are remanded, as further development is needed to determine the extent of current disability.,The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is also remanded.

The Board has vacated the November 2022 decision that granted a TDIU prior to January 27, 2014 due to incorrect application of regulations. The case is now remanded for further review and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back condition, diabetes, hypertension, left knee condition, and right knee condition. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and issuing a Statement of the Case regarding the issue of an increased rating for depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disorder and an increased rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS). The Veteran is to be provided another VA examination to address his headaches, and a new evaluation of his lumbar spine disability. These matters will be returned for further appellate consideration.

The Veteran's claim for a disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for service-connected lumbosacral strain has been denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury (claimed as traumatic brain injury (TBI)), and a cervical spine condition, as secondary to service-connected left knee disability and/or lumbosacral strain have been remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back disability and dysthymic disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since May 2011.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and right shoulder disability have been granted increased ratings. The Veteran's right knee disability has not met the criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed. The appeal pertaining to the thoracic spine disability is remanded.

The Veteran's initial rating for LUE ulnar nerve entrapment from December 21, 2016 to November 29, 2018 was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.,For the period after November 29, 2018, the Veteran's initial rating of LUE ulnar nerve entrapment has been remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding functional impairment during flare-ups.

The Veteran's disability rating for residuals of compression fracture of the lumbar spine with IVDS was denied, as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of low back disability and service connection for sleep apnea and headaches are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,The Veteran's service connection claims for IBS and an enlarged heart have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's disability rating for lumbosacral strain prior to June 6, 2022 is denied. The Veteran's disability rating for lumbosacral strain since June 6, 2022 remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected Ischemic Heart Disease/Coronary Artery Disease (IHD/CAD) alone does not meet the criteria for a Total Disability Rating due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU).