Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the ratings for low back disability and left hip disabilities, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine fracture residuals and a medical opinion on the need for aid and attendance and/or other special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD), status post compression of L1, was denied as the Veteran failed to appear for a necessary VA examination without good cause shown.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to a motor vehicle collision in service. The case is sent back for further examination and opinions regarding the relationship between the current disabilities and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for his service-connected left Achilles tendon rupture status post repair and lumbar back strain, finding that there were no documents indicating an intent to file a claim prior to January 16, 2013.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a low back disorder due to insufficient evidence in the record, including the lack of a nexus between current symptoms and service.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and headaches due to lack of timely notice of disagreement.

The claims for service connection of right knee, left knee, and back disorders are remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and examination to address his service-connected disabilities, including low back disability, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, right index finger disability, residuals of a head injury, and vision disabilities. The issues on appeal include ratings for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify herbicide agent exposure and to obtain a VA examination regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's skin condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private medical records, to determine if there is any additional functional impairment of the Veteran's low back disability on repeated use or during flare-ups. The matter will be readjudicated after this development.

The Board has found that the reduction in disability rating from 20 percent to 10 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, effective from April 19, 2016, to July 22, 2021, was improper due to lack of proper notice. The Board has also found that a 20 percent disability rating is warranted for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity as of January 24, 2018.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with traumatic DJD, finding that the evidence did not support ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Board's decision partially vacated the February 9, 2021 decision to deny service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine (previously claimed as a back disability). The case is remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new VA examination to evaluate the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine arthritis with lumbar strain. The issues of entitlement to an increased evaluation and TDIU are being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to a service-connected lumbosacral strain. The claim for TDIU is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of a low back condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety disorder. The appellant withdrew her claims prior to promulgation of a decision.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate examination in assessing his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability.