Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lower back condition is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, diagnosed as spondylosis and sacralization of the lumbar spine. The case is remanded to determine if the Veteran's hypertension is secondary to her service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's lumbar spine strain and acquired psychiatric disorder are not rated higher than the current 10 percent levels.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of higher ratings for his cervical spine and knee disabilities, as VA examinations were not conducted as requested in a previous remand. The case is being returned to the RO for these purposes.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the severity of his service-connected conditions, specifically addressing flare-ups. The VA will also obtain updated treatment records and request an updated VA Form 21-8940 from the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for his thoracolumbar spine, right knee, left knee, right ankle, and left ankle partial tear of the anterior talofibial ligament disabilities have been denied. The Veteran's initial compensable rating for migraine headaches has also been denied. His TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's back condition is granted a higher initial rating of 20 percent prior to February 13, 2020. A rating in excess of 20 percent for the same condition from February 13, 2020 is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, right foot condition, and left foot condition due to conflicting evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for further development regarding his lumbar spinal stenosis, status post-operative scar. The AOJ is instructed to obtain private treatment records and clarify the severity of the Veteran's flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequacy of the VA examination and opinion regarding service connection for lumbar spine disability, including degenerative disc disease. The examiner is requested to provide an addendum opinion addressing whether the Veteran's DDD is related to his in-service low back pain.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that this rating is not supported by the evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service personnel records and a need for a supplemental VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for her service-connected lumbar spine disability is granted at a 40 percent level prior to October 1, 2013.,Service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to the service-connected lumbar spine disability is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee and lower back disorders are related to his active duty service, necessitating a remand for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted effective January 3, 2007, as he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the rating of her lumbar strain, myositis and spasm prior to March 21, 2015, after that date, and for a TDIU determination prior to November 4, 2014. The AOJ must ensure all requested development is completed and review the claims in light of the new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following gainful employment prior to October 2, 2012. Therefore, the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting evidence regarding whether the Veteran experiences radiculopathy associated with her service-connected low back condition. Further examination is needed.