Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar strain was rated at 40 percent effective January 14, 2021. The claim for higher ratings and TDIU were denied.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, finding that the evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed bilateral hip and leg disabilities as secondary to his lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no legal basis for such claims due to the denial of service connection for the lumbar spine disability.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and temporary 100 percent ratings are remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine disability and bilateral hip disabilities, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disability, any separate and additional respiratory illness as due to undiagnosed illness or MUCMI, and COPD. The remand is required due to inadequate VA examinations and the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine were denied. The diabetes rating was maintained at 40 percent, while the lumbar spine rating was denied in excess of 20 percent from November 30, 2005 to January 22, 2020, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's low back and right hip disabilities are found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The Veteran is granted a separate rating for limitation of extension, but not for flexion.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals on all issues related to his service connection claims due to a withdrawal of appeal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent effective October 21, 2019. The Veteran also received a grant of TDIU.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy was granted initial ratings of 20 percent for the right leg and 20 percent for the left leg.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD as due to military sexual trauma (MST) and remanded the issue of service connection for a lumbar strain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability and left knee disability due to pending higher-level review requests.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders, finding that there is not enough evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's hearing loss began in service. Service connection was denied for a low back disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, arthritis, dyspnea, heart disorder, COPD, sleep apnea, GERD, and back disorder are not related to his active duty service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service records and a need for further medical examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back disability and bladder disability due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's low back and bladder disabilities are being referred to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's lumbar sprain with degenerative disc disease was granted a 40 percent rating prior to June 27, 2018. The claim for an increased rating from that date onwards remains in appellate status.

The Veteran's back disability, which includes degenerative disc disease and post-surgery pain, is rated at 40 percent due to functional impairment. The rating reflects the Veteran's limited range of motion in his thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and a need for an examination to determine if the Veteran's current low back disability is related to service.