Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

For the period prior to June 17, 2018, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees. For the period beginning June 17, 2018, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability most closely approximated forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees.,For the entire period on appeal, the Veteran's separate right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy disabilities were rated at 20 percent each.

The Board denied service connection for right knee and low back disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a finding of direct service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of right knee bursitis, left knee bursitis, and low back disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development.

The appeal for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine is dismissed.,Two issues on appeal are remanded: entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent prior to April 23, 2013, and in excess of 50 percent therefrom for obstructive sleep apnea; and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) prior to October 1, 2020.,The issue of an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as they do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar strain, right foot strain, and left thumb degenerative joint disease due to a lack of compliance with previous orders.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for bilateral knee disorders, low back disorder, and bilateral foot disorders due to insufficient medical opinions addressing potential service connection based on in-service symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar, right shoulder, left shoulder, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension disabilities due to lack of a VA medical examination in connection with these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder and remanded the issues of service connection for genitourinary cancer (bladder cancer, prostate tumor).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection, a disability rating, and TDIU due to outstanding records and need for medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for tension headaches, radiculopathy of the radial nerve, and degenerative disc disease with cervical spondylitic myelopathy have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability and denied service connection for his high cholesterol, left shoulder disability, sinus disability, and erectile dysfunction. The decision also remanded the issue of service connection for a kidney issue.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and effective dates due to inadequate examinations, and also for a TDIU and SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 25, 2007, and no earlier for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment as of that date.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis was denied, and the case is remanded due to an unclear decision on TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence of chronic conditions in service or within one year after discharge.,Service connection was not granted as the Veteran's current disabilities are not shown to be related to his military service.

The claim to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for a right ankle disability is denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the spine (a back disability) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to new evidence submitted after the issuance of a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC). The claims include service connection for bilateral eye condition, liver condition, back condition, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. Additional VA examinations are needed to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted effective dates of November 15, 2016 for the awards of a 10% disability rating for bilateral hallux valgus. The issues of increased ratings for other conditions are remanded.