Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability was previously rated at 10 percent prior to August 26, 2019, and at 20 percent as of that date. The Board finds the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome (lumbar spine disability) has been withdrawn. The Board has also remanded the issue of an increased rating prior to November 7, 2011 due to insufficient evidence.

Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted.,Service connection for left ankle disability (strain) is denied. The issue has been remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's right and left knee chondromalacia, as well as his thoracolumbar spine disability (DDD and IVDS), are granted initial minimum compensable ratings for the period prior to April 14, 2017.,For the period from July 11, 2011 to April 13, 2017, the Veteran's left shoulder calcific tendonitis is granted a minimum compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining VistA images and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any right foot pain and numbness.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from August 8, 2017 to December 26, 2017. The Board granted entitlement to TDIU during this period.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar paravertebral myositis was denied, and service connection for neuropathy of the left lower extremity was dismissed. The Veteran received a 20% rating from May 13, 2003 to February 9, 2007, but his claim for higher ratings beyond this period is not supported by the evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical evidence and a need for additional treatment records. The Veteran is requested to provide authorization for release of private treatment records, and VA will obtain these records. Additionally, the Veteran needs to undergo VA examinations for his lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and low back disorder.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent effective February 25, 2013. A 10 percent rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis is granted. Other issues are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of Hepatitis C due to incomplete development, specifically missing VA treatment records from the Bronx VAMC. The Veteran is also requested to provide any additional information or evidence that may be relevant.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded for further evaluation. Service connection for a bowel and/or bladder disorder secondary to service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to inadequate VA opinions and factual inaccuracies in previous decisions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding no nexus between his current condition and an in-service injury. The preponderance of evidence does not support the Veteran's contention that his back issues are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, sleep apnea, and low back disability. The Veteran's left hip disability and right shoulder disability have been denied.,Service connection is granted for sinusitis as it is presumed to be related to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss. The cases of knee disability, back disability, bilateral hip radiculopathy (claimed), and acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disorder was granted. The claim for service connection for left hip and thigh disorders was denied.,Service connection for a back disorder is granted, but service connection for left hip and thigh disorders is denied.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for additional development, including clarification of the Veteran's periods of active duty and National Guard service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for gout, cervical spine/right arm disability, low back disability, and bilateral pes planus. The appeals are granted to this extent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to decide the claim of service connection for a back disability, including incomplete records from periods of Reserve service.