Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's spouse, M.H., is in need of regular aid and attendance due to her multiple disabilities including psychiatric issues, lumbar spine disability, knee disabilities, and other impairments. The Board has determined that she requires the help of another person for daily activities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial disability ratings in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spine strain and left knee strain, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings under applicable rating criteria.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that his current condition is not related to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition and right carpal tunnel syndrome due to insufficient evidence. The claim for a low back condition is remanded because there was no VA examination conducted, and the issue of right carpal tunnel syndrome requires further review as well.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic lumbar strain prior to April 25, 2017, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter is remanded due to the need for additional examination regarding functional impairment due to flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if any current left lower extremity condition is related to service, and whether any arthritis is related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for the Veteran's back disability and associated radiculopathy, as well as the TDIU claim prior to February 6, 2018. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the back claim.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including addressing new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with major depression is granted. Service connection for a low back disorder, bilateral hearing loss disability, and right knee/leg weakness are also granted. An effective date earlier than December 3, 2012, for nonservice-connected pension benefits is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for new VA examinations to determine the current severity of the Veteran's back disability and bilateral radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected chronic lumbar strain is being remanded due to insufficient information in the history and lack of substantial compliance with previous Board directives.

The Veteran's disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was granted at a 60 percent evaluation from May 20, 2019, to November 5, 2020.

The Board denied service connection for a left hip condition and TDIU on both schedular and extraschedular bases due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service or service-connected back condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disability.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for cervical spine degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease is denied as the current disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hip disabilities and a back disability due to insufficient evidence regarding current disabilities, credibility of lay statements, and need for further examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle disability and low back strain, but has determined that additional development is needed before these claims can be adjudicated on their merits.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 20 percent prior to September 20, 2018 and 40 percent thereafter. The Veteran also received a rating of 30 percent for radiculopathy in the bilateral lower extremities beginning September 20, 2018.,The Veteran was granted TDIU effective November 15, 2017.

The Board has remanded the claims for a low back disability and TDIU prior to August 16, 2018 due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities include a low back disability with associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities.