Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's low back strain 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 claim for specially adapted housing was denied because he does not meet the criteria based on his service-connected disabilities, as none of them qualify under the specific provisions for such benefits.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not have their onset in service or are otherwise causally related to his military service.

The Board granted an initial 20 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine strain and sacroiliac joint degenerative arthritis, effective March 29, 2019.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and remanded the claim of service connection for a low back disability due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied an increased rating above the current 20 percent for DDD of the lumbar spine, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spondylosis and herniated disc at L5-S1 (back disability) and a head scar, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service injuries.

Service connection is granted for a thoracolumbar spine disorder.,Service connection is also granted for insomnia, which the Veteran contends is secondary to his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and radiculopathy of the lower extremities due to additional development being needed, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a low back injury, finding that the Veteran's current back disorder is not causally related to his in-service injury and arthritis did not manifest within one year of discharge.

The Board has granted service connection for low back and left foot disorders, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating of lumbar strain prior to January 20, 2017.

The Veteran's healed right wrist fracture is rated at 10 percent, which is the highest rating available under DC 5215.,The Veteran's DDD of the cervical spine was initially granted but not rated higher than 20 percent prior to December 15, 2014. After that date, a 30 percent rating has been assigned.,Beginning December 15, 2014, the Veteran is entitled to a 30 percent rating for his DDD of the cervical spine.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was previously denied, and the issues of service connection for right shoulder disability and a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee disability are remanded.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service connected disabilities is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to May 31, 2013 and subsequent to this date.

The Board has remanded the cases of a lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and TDIU prior to August 3, 2018 due to inadequate examinations and lack of information regarding flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding a back disability, including degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the spine. An additional medical opinion is required to determine if the Veteran's condition is related to active service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date of April 30, 2014 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, back disorder, and psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of an upper back disability, including as secondary to a service-connected condition. The Veteran underwent a VA examination but did not receive a clear opinion on whether his upper back disability is caused or aggravated by any service-connected conditions, particularly his low back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and evaluations to address the severity of her cervical strain, thoracolumbar strain, sleep apnea, tinea pedis with mycotic toenails, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury. The appeals are also being remanded due to a lack of compliance with VA examination requirements.