Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to deficiencies in prior VA opinions and the need to address the Veteran's contentions regarding the rigors of service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 40 percent disabling from April 1, 2020. The appeal is denied for entitlement to higher ratings prior to that date.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, PTSD, lower back condition, and radiculopathies (sciatica) have been granted. A 100% disability rating has been assigned for CAD.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for her degenerative disc disease; lumbar spine was denied. She is currently rated at 40 percent since March 7, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disability, sleep apnea, bilateral hip disorder, elbow disorder, shoulder disorder, hand disorder, and eye disorder (claimed as blindness), are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to unemployability prior to November 20, 2003. The claims are being remanded to obtain missing treatment records and to determine if the Veteran is entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back, neck, and right shoulder disabilities due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to obtain relevant treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 40 percent for chronic myofascitis of the lumbar spine was denied. The Board found that the disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or IVDS, and noted functional loss but no significant additional limitation.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, but denied service connection for a right ankle disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including new examinations and consideration of updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for low back disability, headaches, and PTSD due to insufficient evidence regarding the claimed in-service events.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is rated at 20 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on her symptoms and examination findings.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a right leg disability, finding that the appellant's conditions were not incurred or aggravated by her active duty training (ACDUTRA).

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the condition originated in service and has continued since then.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability, hepatitis A and B, fatigue secondary to CAD, and dizziness secondary to CAD. The appeals were also remanded for a TDIU determination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate reasons and bases in the previous decision, specifically regarding the August 2017 VA examination and medical opinion. The Veteran's low back disability is related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of VA examinations and new evidence submitted within one year of the July 2013 rating decision. The Veteran is expected to attend VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve) is granted a higher rating, and his degenerative disease (arthritis) of the lumbar spine is granted an increased initial rating. The Veteran's cervical spine disability, OSA, and memory loss are denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's back disability and urticaria.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show that his condition warranted a higher rating at any point during the appeal period.