Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied a rating higher than 20 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine of 30 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased evaluations for right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and cervical spine disability. A new VA examination is required to assess current severity of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and low back disorders, finding that there was no evidence of chronic symptoms within one year post-service or during active duty. The Board also found that the Veteran did not provide credible testimony regarding his in-service injuries.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's back disability, and further development is needed.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's back disability, finding that after resolving reasonable doubt in his favor, he exhibits forward flexion to 30 degrees during a flare-up. The claim is therefore granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and hypertension, finding that there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his thoracolumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies, have rendered him unemployable since October 15, 2019. A TDIU rating is granted from that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to missing VA treatment records and a need to reschedule VA examinations. The issues include rating increases, service connection, and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions in the February 2020 VA examination. The case is being returned for new addendum opinions addressing the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder, stomach, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine with arthritis is granted as service connected.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which is now considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's back disability, including his in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate VA examination opinions regarding service connection for back and right knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion to address whether the Veteran's current back disorder is related to his service-connected left foot disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected back disability is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches is remanded to obtain a more thorough opinion on their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations. Specifically, he needs updated VA treatment records, Workers' Compensation records, and a new examination to determine if his back condition, hearing loss, and tinnitus are related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a back condition as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with a prior remand directive and an insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for an increased rating due to lack of evidence supporting episodes of incapacitating IVDS.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar arthritis is granted an initial increased rating of 20 percent, but no higher. The Veteran's cervical strain with degenerative arthritis prior to September 25, 2020 and from September 25, 2020 are both granted increased ratings of 10 percent and 30 percent respectively. There is no increase in rating for right sciatic radicular pain.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes and bilateral sciatic nerve condition are granted service connection. The hernia condition and cervical strain issues remain pending for further development.