Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The issue is now remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine DDD and arthritis, right knee patellofemoral syndrome with meniscal tear, and left shoulder osteoarthritis. The claims were reopened due to new evidence received since the final denial in December 2014.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and lack of evidence regarding the onset and etiology of his claimed disabilities. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate rationale in a previous VA examination and the need for another opinion.

The Board denied service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and increased the rating for a back disability, but remanded one issue related to sleep apnea. The Veteran was granted TDIU.,For the back disability, the criteria were changed from February 7, 2021, and both old and new criteria are considered.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for psoriasis, a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine myositis, and a separate rating for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The issues are also being remanded due to the need for additional development related to SMC benefits.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with IVDS, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral ankle, knee, hip, and shoulder conditions as well as a low back condition due to insufficient evidence on secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased rating for various disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship of these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for cardiac disability, higher initial ratings for left shoulder and back disabilities, and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's employment history needs clarification, and VA treatment records need to be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, including whether it is related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's lumbar-sacral strain and GERD have been restored to their original ratings of 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain (claimed as major back pain (upper and lower)) was granted in a February 2021 rating decision, which constitutes a full grant of benefits. As the benefit sought on appeal has been granted, there remains no case or controversy with respect to this issue.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for lumbar arthritis with IVDS and spondylolisthesis was granted at a 20 percent rating, which is the highest available under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of in-service stressors and an addendum opinion addressing psychiatric disorders. The Veteran's back disorder is denied as not related to service, while his acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeals seeking service connection for various disabilities as the Veteran's death made it impossible to proceed with the claims.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including back disability, right eye disability, hypertension, bleeding ulcers, and stroke. The VA is instructed to obtain any outstanding records and provide the Veteran with appropriate VA examinations.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for an aneurysm was granted. Service connection is denied for the remaining conditions: emphysema, heart disability, prostate cancer, back disability, bilateral knee disabilities (left and right), and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (right and left).

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,The Veteran's right knee disability based on limitation of motion is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,The Veteran's left knee disability based on limitation of motion is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,The Veteran's left knee instability is rated at 10 percent.