Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for ankylosing spondylitis of the thoracolumbar spine and cervical spine due to inadequate examination reports and failure to obtain in-service vaccination records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a sinus disability and low back disability were denied as there was no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrence. His bilateral hearing loss claim resulted in a non-compensable rating.

The Board denied a rating higher than 20 percent for orthopedic residuals of lumbar strain prior to March 7, 2019 due to insufficient evidence showing motion on forward flexion less than or equal to 30 degrees.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, including whether it is related to service or her service-connected right and left flat foot.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear diagnoses and insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current back disability is related to his in-service injury. The case will be further developed to clarify these issues.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a respiratory disability, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and a low back disability due to inadequate opinions in the prior VA examinations. The Veteran's lay statements regarding continuous symptoms are considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's back disability, specifically his flare-ups and range of motion. The Veteran is seeking a compensable rating prior to March 8, 2018, and a higher rating thereafter.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and thoracolumbar disorders due to outstanding VA imaging records and inadequate opinions from previous examiners. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on in-service injuries.

The Board has granted service connection for gout, thoracolumbar spine disability, and left ankle disability. The right ankle disability issue remains pending as it was not addressed in the decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's low back disability, including a lack of medical nexus opinions and incomplete records. The Veteran is requested to provide VA treatment records and undergo a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

Service connection for bilateral patellofemoral syndrome is granted. The low back disability claim is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient examination reports and lack of etiological opinions. The Veteran's complaints of low back pain, left knee arthritis, and cervical spine DDD are being reviewed again.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right leg pain, low back disability, and bilateral foot disability due to inadequate examination opinions. The issues are related to whether these disabilities are secondary to his service-connected varicose veins.

The Veteran's service-connected low back, right ankle, and right femur disabilities are being remanded for additional development to determine their current severity.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent, and his right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each rated at 20 percent. The rating for the lumbar spine disability remains unchanged, while both lower extremity radiculopathies receive separate ratings.

Service connection has been granted for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, tendinitis of the left ankle, and a left scrotum condition.,The Veteran's low back disorder is service-connected due to an in-service injury during combat. The left ankle disorder was also incurred during service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for low back, left knee, right knee, residuals of left rib injury, sleep apnea, and bilateral foot disabilities due to additional evidence being added to the claims file.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and intervertebral disc syndrome is granted a 40 percent disability rating prior to December 6, 2021. From December 6, 2021, the disability rating remains at 40 percent.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions have been dismissed.,A claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been reopened, but the matter is still pending.