Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a 10 percent evaluation, but no higher, for neuropathy of the left lower extremity is granted. The Board has also remanded cases regarding service connection for a left shoulder condition and low back condition due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his lumbar spine disability is denied as the evidence does not show that it was factually ascertainable that the disability increased in severity within one year prior to his increased rating claim, and current medical evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, low back disability, erectile dysfunction, heart disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and allergic dermatitis as part of his increased rating claims. Additional evidence is needed to determine the severity of his migraines and bilateral knee conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea and a lumbar spine condition due to incomplete VA treatment records and inadequate etiological opinions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant VA treatment records, including those from South Texas VAHCS, and to provide an updated opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right and left big toe joint disabilities, head injury residuals, osteoarthritis of the right hip with limited extension, internal hemorrhoids, peripheral neuropathy of the right toes, and bilateral hearing loss, have prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since January 1, 2016. As a result, TDIU is granted.

The Board has vacated the February 2018 decision on several service connection claims due to a misinterpretation of the line of duty determination. The claims are now remanded for further development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right knee and low back disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's active duty service is alleged as a potential cause.

The Board denied service connection for a right elbow disorder and a low back disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or continuity of symptoms.,There was no credible evidence showing that the Veteran's right elbow or low back disorders began during active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 with lumbar stenosis was granted, and the matter of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to August 24, 2016, is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a low back disability due to new evidence and development needs.

The Veteran's lumbar strain and right shoulder strain were rated, with the lumbar strain receiving a 10% rating prior to November 8, 2020, and a 20% rating thereafter. The right shoulder strain received a 20% rating before November 8, 2020, and a 30% rating from that date forward.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for low back pain, sciatica, and chronic cystitis due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claim for a sleeping disorder (insomnia) is also remanded as it may be related to the Veteran's back disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on several service-connected conditions have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, but the appeal is denied as there is no single disability rated at 100% that independently precludes employment.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The issue of service connection for a cardiovascular disorder was dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal during his virtual hearing.

The case is being remanded due to the addition of relevant evidence and outstanding VA records that need to be reviewed. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates are also being remanded.

The Veteran is granted a higher rating for SMC under section 1114(o) and awarded two separate ratings of SMC based on loss of use of both feet due to service-connected peripheral neuropathy and need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and new evidence is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and additional development is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's functional loss during flare-ups and repetitive use of her cervical spine disability. The case is returned for further development.