Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings are denied. The Board finds that the evidence supports a 100% rating from September 25, 2015, but no earlier. The Veteran's TBI, lower back disability, and wrist conditions are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the claims for increased ratings and TDIU are inextricably intertwined with the Veteran's claims for SSA records and private treatment records. The case is therefore being remanded to obtain these records.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral heel spurs, and a low back disorder. The diagnoses are related to the now service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for a back disorder due to inadequate opinions and missing records. The case is sent back to a VA physician for an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's back disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with a previous remand directive. The Veteran's claim for service connection for his back disability is being reviewed again as the VA examiner did not consider the Veteran's statements regarding the onset and continuity of his symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of low back disability, eye disability, sleep apnea, and urethritis. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her in need of aid and attendance, housebound, and eligible for specially adapted housing. The appeal regarding a special home adaptation grant is dismissed as moot.

The Board has decided that the issue of service connection for post-operative fusion at L5-S1 and degenerative disc disease needs further development, including an updated examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's left leg radiculopathy is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board denied a higher rating for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disease (arthritis) of the lumbar spine is granted, while other claims for various disabilities are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that there was not enough evidence to establish a link between his current condition and military service.

The Board has determined that remand is necessary to ensure that VA fulfilled its duty to assist the Veteran in substantiating his appeal regarding service connection for a back disability. The Veteran's claim was previously before the Board, and additional evidence and arguments have been associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her lumbar spine disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under either the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or the IVDS criteria.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to outstanding VA treatment records and additional examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate rationale in a previous VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease. A new examination is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed back, left knee, right knee, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities are not service-connected as they are not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident during active duty service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome was denied. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to October 2, 2019 and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his low back strain with lumbar degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for low back and left knee conditions due to incomplete records of his National Guard service, requiring further examination and opinion.