Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and medical records related to the Veteran's long-term disability claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression and knee conditions, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since September 30, 2010. The Board has granted a TDIU effective that date.

The Veteran's lumbar strain and posterior facet joint arthropathy are granted as service-connected. The right ankle, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus type II, right shoulder disability (other than right upper extremity radiculopathy), left shoulder disability (other than left upper extremity radiculopathy and residuals of stab wound), respiratory disability (to include asbestosis), and hemorrhoids are all remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied service connection for neck and low back disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions were not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was previously rated at 20 percent, effective October 15, 2007. The Board found that the current manifestations do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's neck condition and back condition have been denied initial ratings greater than the assigned 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively.,Both conditions are rated based on limitation of motion under Diagnostic Codes 5242 (neck) and 5237 (back).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various disabilities, including left shoulder and ankle disabilities, lumbar spine disability, and right knee disability. The issues include determining appropriate functional loss due to pain or other symptoms during flare-ups or with repeated use, as well as assessing whether there are any incapacitating episodes associated with these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine arthritis and strain, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's back disability is related to his active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and a left shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran did not have chronic or continuous symptoms since service separation.,Service connection was also denied for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), tonsillectomy residuals, anal fissure, bilateral calluses, and bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy associated with his lumbar spine disability, tinnitus, and coronary artery disease, status-post myocardial infarction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from April 8, 2014 to May 29, 2018. The Board has granted TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine and right knee have been dismissed as the appellant has withdrawn them.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine disability, dermatitis, and right knee disability due to additional evidence received since the July 2019 Statement of the Case.

The Board has granted service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder, headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea. The claims for lumbar spine disability and sciatica are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a low back disorder due to inadequate medical opinions regarding its relationship to service-connected disabilities. The case will be returned for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including a new examination to assess his left ankle disability and opinions regarding secondary service connection for right ankle, bilateral knee, and low back disabilities. The appeals are REMANDED.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and left knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to active service or events therein.,Service connection was denied for a cervical spine disorder due to lack of evidence showing a chronic condition during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a neck disability, low back disability, and right hip disability due to inadequate VA medical opinions in previous examinations. The Veteran's contentions that his disabilities are related to service duties involving the routine loading of heavy bombs onto aircrafts need to be addressed.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding his claims for increased ratings and service connection due to a request from the Veteran's representative to withdraw all of the Veteran's appeals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are not ready for decision due to outstanding records and outdated examination reports. The case is REMANDED for further action.