Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and right hip disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability is granted, with the presumption that his current condition began during active service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a lumbar spine disability has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in November 2022.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lower back, left ankle, and bilateral knee conditions due to inadequate VA examination reports. The Veteran's preexisting conditions are presumed to have existed prior to service.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a thoracolumbar spine disorder due to noncompliance with the remand instructions, specifically failing to elicit information from the Veteran regarding his 2006 post-service motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral eye and shoulder disabilities have been withdrawn, resulting in their dismissal. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for lumbar back disability, bilateral knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than May 21, 2012 for left great toe neuropathy and left lower extremity sciatica have been denied as the effective date is based on the date of receipt of the claim.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine DDD, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right lower extremity sciatica, and a lumbar scar received August 31, 2011 have been denied as there are no earlier unaddressed filings or communications that would warrant an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for thoracolumbar strain prior to April 29, 2016 was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for a back disability and left ear hearing loss need further development due to incomplete verification of the Appellant's periods of active duty, training, or inactive duty. The VA examinations performed were inadequate as they did not consider the Veteran's lay assertions regarding symptom onset and continuity.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back and neck disabilities, as well as radiculopathy of the lower and upper extremities. The remand requires a VA examination to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for low back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran is also seeking an earlier effective date for his separate rating of right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including OSA, sarcoidosis, back disability, radiculopathy, and hip disabilities are granted. However, some issues remain remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent since July 15, 2013. A separate 10 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy is also granted from that date. The right shoulder issue has been remanded.

The Board has determined that additional relevant service medical and personnel records have been received, necessitating the reconsideration of multiple claims for various disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability and remanded the issue of an increased rating for his left shoulder disability.

The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance from September 20, 2017. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to be at a high risk of falling due to numbness in his hands and feet.

Service connection is granted for lumbar spine and rhino-sinus disorders. The claims for tinnitus, left foot disorder, and right foot disorder are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, as well as alcohol abuse disability and peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities.,Reasoning: The medical evidence supports a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete VA examination reports and a need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated as 20 percent prior to December 27, 2019 and 40 percent as of that date. The right ankle disability was initially rated at 10 percent prior to December 27, 2019 and now rated at 20 percent.,The claims for service connection for a right knee disability, increased ratings for the low back and right ankle disabilities, and the remanded issues are pending.