Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including increased ratings for back and PTSD, as well as claims for sleep apnea, bilateral ankle, and bilateral shoulder disabilities. The VA will conduct additional examinations and gather medical records to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for back disability, bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's duty status during his Reserve service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) as there is no evidence that he is incapable of performing the physical and mental acts required by employment.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder is granted, but the claim itself is denied. The Board also remanded the issue of an increased rating for allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spondylosis with arthritis of the spine was initially rated at 10% prior to June 1, 2017. From June 1, 2017, it is now rated at 40%. The rating increase from 10% to 40% is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete verification of the Veteran's periods of active duty and inactive duty training, as well as inadequate VA opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. The appeal for TDIU was granted.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was rated at 10% prior to September 4, 2015. From September 4, 2015, to June 1, 2016, a 20% rating was granted. Since June 1, 2016, the Veteran's lumbosacral strain has been rated at 40%. The radiculopathy of both lower extremities has not met criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for service connection of a back disability, and the Board has dismissed it.

The Veteran's initial rating for service-connected lumbar strain was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 40 percent.

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

The Veteran's lumbar strain with intervertebral disc disease is rated at 20 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating as forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was found to be less than 30 degrees.,The Veteran's right hip strain is rated at 10 percent. The evidence does not support a higher rating due to limitation of abduction with motion lost beyond 10 degrees, extension limited to 5 degrees, and flexion limited to 45 degrees.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability is denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and the current condition is not related to service.,The claims for secondary service connection for low back and right knee disabilities are denied because the Veteran does not have a currently service-connected primary disability. ,The claim for TDIU is denied as the Veteran has no service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for lumbar strain with spondylosis has been withdrawn by the appellant's representative.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a low back disability due to incomplete records and the need for an examination. The case will be returned to VA for further development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the service connection for a back condition and right knee condition.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and osteoarthritis as there was no evidence linking these conditions to the appellant's active service.

The Veteran's right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating.,The Veteran's left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating.,The Veteran's GERD is currently rated as noncompensably disabling (10 percent), and the Board denied an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to inadequate prior examination opinions and missing records. The Veteran contends his current conditions are related to military service, including a 2003 motor vehicle accident in Iraq.