Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's multi-level degenerative disc disease, specifically in terms of range of motion testing and functional loss.

The Veteran's initial staged ratings for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The case was remanded due to issues related to service connection.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee and low back disabilities, specifically whether they are aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus and bilateral eye disability to obtain additional medical opinions. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are also being considered.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address the adequacy of the October 2018 VA examination report and to obtain additional records for the Veteran.

The Veteran's cervical spine DDD and lumbar spine DJD have been granted increased disability ratings of 20% each, effective November 25, 2019. The TDIU claim has also been granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar strain is denied. The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD and an anxiety disorder due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied an increased rating for the low back disability prior to July 20, 2017 and remanded the TDIU claim. The Veteran failed to report for a VA examination that was necessary to decide his claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is rated at a 40 percent rating from February 28, 2008 to July 1, 2010.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, low back disorder, and hypertension. Service connection was granted for erectile dysfunction (ED) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes.,Diabetes, low back disorder, and hypertension were not shown during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the etiology of his nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis and to obtain private treatment records from Dr. J.P. and Paradigm Orthopedics.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not require regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected conditions, as he retained the ability to perform most daily activities with assistance from others.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease and no continuous symptoms since service. The current back disability is not related to service.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, bilateral foot disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and lumbar spine disability as there was no evidence of a nexus between the current disabilities and military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination reports and need for additional development regarding service connection for a back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's post-procedure incisional pain and TTP of the paraspinal muscles at the lower third of the incision site.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is rated at 10 percent, and his right leg shin splint is also rated at 10 percent. The decision grants the requested rating for right leg shin splint but denies a higher rating for lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran was granted a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) effective November 28, 2007. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable beginning February 8, 2006.

The Board has remanded the claims for a back disability and acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and anxiety, as secondary to a non-service-connected back disability. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development.