Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to her in-service injury during Operation Desert Storm.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative joint disease was granted a 20% rating from November 17, 2016 to April 22, 2019. Prior to this date, the disability was rated at 10%. The decision is based on the VA examination findings and the Veteran's testimony.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The effective dates for his service-connected conditions remain March 31, 2016.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 20% prior to June 18, 2014 and from June 18, 2014 to January 31, 2020. Beginning January 31, 2020, the rating remained at 20%. The Veteran's disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating during any of these periods.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected left big toe fracture residuals caused or aggravated his lower back disorder. The examiner was asked to provide opinions on causation and aggravation, but did not address the Veteran's lay statements about altered gait after the in-service injury.

The Veteran's initial rating for left ankle disability is remanded due to unclear examination results and the need for clarification of additional loss of ROM.,The Veteran's initial rating for low back disorder prior to February 9, 2021, and from that date forward is remanded due to conflicting examination reports and the need for clarification of additional loss of ROM.,Service connection for skin disorder is remanded due to lack of nexus opinion and need for clarification regarding exposure at Ft. McClellan, AL.,Service connection for left knee disorder is remanded due to lack of nexus opinion and need for examination.,Service connection for headaches is remanded due to lack of nexus opinion and need for examination.

The Veteran's back condition was granted increased ratings from February 11, 2010 to February 23, 2011 and again from February 24, 2011.,An earlier effective date of February 11, 2010 for the award of a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to inadequate VA opinions regarding his left foot, left hip, low back, and left knee disabilities. The claims will be further evaluated with new medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a low back disability due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical evidence and conflicting opinions regarding his claimed disabilities. The VA is instructed to obtain all relevant records, including SSA records, and provide additional medical opinions on the origin of his heart disabilities and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating due to lack of forward flexion of more than 30 degrees or favorable ankylosis.,The Veteran's left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are both currently rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for left knee calcific tendinitis, infrapatellar tendon was reopened and granted. Tinnitus and anxiety disorder were also granted.,Bilateral hearing loss, right and left knee disorders (including right knee posttraumatic residual degenerative joint disease), thoracolumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, and headaches (claimed as cephalgia) are all remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including residuals of heat stress and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient rationale in previous medical opinions and incomplete records. The Veteran's low back and neck disabilities are being reviewed again for a proper determination of service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased rating for lumbar spinal stenosis and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to inadequate examination results and incomplete forms.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for various knee disabilities, lumbar spine disability, and sciatic radiculopathy of the lower extremities. The appeals are dismissed or denied.

The Board has remanded the case for a new opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is proximately due to his service-connected dislocation of costo-sternal joint of 3rd and 4th ribs with costochondritis, or was aggravated by it.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back, left hip, and cervical spine disorders due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's sensory deficits of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities are currently rated as 20 percent disabling, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.,The Veteran's left shoulder dislocation and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine (L5/S1) are also currently rated as 20 percent disabling, with no indication of any other service-connected conditions or exposure basis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions in the record regarding the relationship between his current disabilities and military service.