Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current lumbar spine condition was not caused or related to her active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for a depressive disorder, finding that it is related to the Veteran's service-connected back and knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to October 23, 2018 was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for COPD, low back disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability due to incomplete service records and need for further development regarding his exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board denied the petition to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate VA opinions and further development is required.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence being added to the record and the need for a VA examiner's opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine, bilateral foot, and right shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain is rated at 40 percent since August 12, 2004. Her cervical strain is also rated at 40 percent since the same date.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability, right knee instability, and right knee chondromalacia with chronic synovitis was denied. The TDIU claim was also denied prior to April 9, 2014.

For the period prior to July 14, 2021, the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability warranted a rating of 20 percent.,As of July 14, 2021, the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability warranted a rating of 40 percent.

The case is being remanded due to incomplete compliance with the April 2021 remand directives, specifically obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing an addendum VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's convalescence period for his lumbar surgery from May 2009 beyond October 31, 2009. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the evaluation of the low back.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, left hip disorder, COPD, OSA, and bilateral hearing loss as the evidence did not show these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.,Service records showed no complaints of back pain during service. The Veteran reported onset in 1984 while stationed at the Great Lakes Navy base after he slipped and fell on some ice.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and COPD are being remanded due to incomplete personnel records that need to be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the proximate cause of his additional disabilities and whether an unforeseeable event occurred during VA referral.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, including obtaining SSA records and a VA male reproductive examination.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for various conditions and issues due to improper docketing under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA). The Veteran is advised that she may pursue her claims under the legacy system.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee, hip, and back disabilities. The claim for left knee disability was dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran. Service connection is granted for thoracic scoliosis and low back strain.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation higher than 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied, and his request for an earlier effective date for service connection for this condition was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 28, 2017 for the grant of a 20 percent evaluation for thoracolumbar strain (back disability) is granted. The effective date is set at August 17, 2016.

The Veteran's disability rating for lumbosacral strain, IVDS, and degenerative arthritis was increased to 40 percent. The reduction in rating from 10 percent to noncompensable for left lower extremity radiculopathy effective August 26, 2019 is granted.