Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis, lumbar spine, s/p laminectomy is being remanded due to the need for updated examination and clarification regarding flareups.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU for the period between August 9, 2008 and December 18, 2012 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for a left ankle disorder and remanded the issues of rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine; rating in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy; and entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's lumbosacral radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left knee, right knee, left ankle, right ankle, low back, and lung disorders are not related to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board granted service connection for a lower back disability and awarded a 30 percent rating for cervical spine degenerative arthritis with spondylolisthesis and intervertebral disc syndrome from March 29, 2018. The decision also denied an increased rating prior to that date.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for back, neck, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various lower extremity disabilities due to inadequate examination opinions and missing VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's low back disability, which is presumed to be related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and a lumbar spine disability were denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not warrant higher ratings based on the criteria provided in the rating schedule.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and noting that arthritis did not manifest within one year of separation from service. The medical opinion found no link between current DJD and DDD and service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent rating prior to April 12, 2017. The Veteran’s diabetes mellitus requires only restricted diet and an oral glycemic agent.,Service connection for the lumbar spine disorder, including degenerative disc disease, is remanded due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed low back disability.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and earlier effective dates for his spinal conditions, as well as his claim for TDIU. The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent prior to February 5, 2020 and at 40 percent since that date.,Since June 22, 2012, the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy and neuropathy associated with his lumbar spine disability are rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased rating of right knee strain, neck disability, left upper extremity disability, and headaches due to conflicting evidence or need for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities (including depressive disorder, lumbosacral strain, bilateral knee replacements, right shoulder arthritis, and radiculopathy of all four extremities) contributed to his obesity, which in turn caused his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, but has remanded them for further development and examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disorder, left ankle disorder, neck disorder, right hand disorder, and residuals of tailbone injury due to new and material evidence. The claims are now considered on their merits.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine prior to December 17, 2019 was granted with an initial 20 percent rating. From December 17, 2019, the claim was denied as the disability did not warrant a higher than 20 percent rating.