Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, and the rating for his lower extremity radiculopathies remains at 10 percent. The Board denied a higher rating for these conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for back, neck, bilateral neurologic disabilities of the lower and upper extremities, and a circulatory system disability, as there is no evidence that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a back disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronic disease or injury during active duty and arthritis did not manifest within one year of separation. The appeal is based on direct service connection.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, neck disability, right knee disability, and PFB. The claims for sleep apnea are remanded as well.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants an initial rating of 70 percent, effective September 30, 2014. The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis warrants a rating of 70 percent, also effective September 30, 2014.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for asthma and a low back disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding whether these conditions were aggravated by service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU, but the Board found that referral for extraschedular consideration was not warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for a muscle group XIX injury and its residuals, but remanded the claims for lower back disability and scars to left elbow, bilateral legs, and buttocks.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for osteopenia of the lumbar spine and bilateral hip disabilities was denied. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective April 26, 2016. Both left and right hip disabilities are rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine and lumbosacral spine disabilities were not found to meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to July 9, 2019. The Board denied all issues on appeal.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar back strain with muscle spasms before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and failure to consider lay evidence regarding in-service low back pain.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of OSA and pes planus are remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record. The Board requests additional opinions from VA medical professionals to determine if these conditions are related to his military service or other factors.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based upon individual employability (TDIU) from January 2, 2018 due to his service-connected disabilities. Prior to this date, the evidence did not show he was unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for traumatic brain injury, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder. Service connection was denied for thoracolumbar spine disorder and left shoulder disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a retrospective opinion on the Veteran's low back disability prior to June 26, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip and lumbar spine disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions. The VA is required to provide a new opinion addressing whether his current conditions are related to his bilateral knee conditions or service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment for the appeal period from March 30, 2010 to November 21, 2011. An effective date of March 30, 2010 is granted.