Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disk disease and left ankle condition, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not manifest in active duty or within one year of separation from active duty and are not otherwise attributable to active duty service.,The decision also noted that there is no evidence linking the current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine, including degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), is rated at 40 percent effective June 13, 2014. The right lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy is granted a higher rating of 20 percent since December 14, 2016. The left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is also granted a higher rating of 20 percent effective December 14, 2016. Effective March 26, 2015, the Veteran's TDIU and basic eligibility for DEA benefits are granted.

The Board has determined that remand is necessary to obtain an adequate etiological opinion for the Veteran's heat stroke residuals and headaches, as well as a clarification of his lumbar spine disability rating. The claims are being returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a skin disorder due to exposure to jet fuel.

The Board has dismissed the claims for bilateral pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral tinnitus. The remaining issues of service connection for PTSD as a result of MST, bilateral shoulder condition, back condition, neck condition, and jaw condition are remanded.

The Veteran's low back condition, including arthritis (DJD), was attributable to his military service due to a car accident during his service. The Board granted the claim for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board has remanded the claims for low back disorder, right-side rib cage injury, Hepatitis C, and periodontal disease due to incomplete service records and need for further examination.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, which was not fully addressed in the previous examination.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for sciatica, left lower extremity; herniated disc with muscle strain and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), lumbar spine; and strain, cervical spine have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his lumbar spine strain were denied. For the period prior to February 11, 2020, he was not entitled to a rating higher than 10 percent. Since February 11, 2020, he has been rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral eye disability has been withdrawn and is dismissed.,Service connection granted for tinnitus, with the condition onset in service.,Service connection denied for left knee strain as it did not onset in service and is not causally related to his service.,Remanded for further examination and opinion regarding obstructive sleep apnea.,Remanded for further examination and opinion regarding an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and unspecified anxiety disorder).,Remanded for further examination and opinion regarding a bilateral hearing loss disability.,Remanded for further examination and opinion regarding a lumbar spine disability.,Remanded for new VA examination to assess the nature and severity of functional diarrhea since January 2016.,Remanded for new VA examination to evaluate the nature and severity of residuals of left shoulder dislocation.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed bilateral eye, knee, lumbosacral spine, cervical spine, right ankle, and left ankle conditions. The claims are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to inadequate examination reports.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is also being remanded.

The claim for service connection for right knee postoperative torn meniscus with osteoarthritis is reopened, and the case is remanded for further development. The Veteran's back disability, left ear hearing loss, and hypertension are also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: the rating for chronic lumbar syndrome of L4-5 and the evaluation for left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's claims are being returned due to inadequate development.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected low back disability and radiculopathy have been dismissed as the appellant has withdrawn all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including persistent depressive disorder, degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, and bilateral knee conditions, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right lower extremity sciatica, and TDIU due to procedural issues and lack of substantial compliance with previous directives.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.