Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The rating reduction for the Veteran's back disability from 20 to 10 percent was improper, and the 20 percent rating is restored. An initial 70 percent rating for mood disability with major depression is granted. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a low back condition and asbestosis with pleural plaques due to the need for additional examinations and testing. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his low back condition, which he attributes to an in-service injury, and a compensable rating for his asbestosis with pleural plaques.

The Veteran's depression, rated at 70% since October 13, 2011, has been granted TDIU as of July 31, 2013.,Prior to July 31, 2013, the Veteran’s lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes was rated at 40%, and combined with other disabilities, reached a maximum rating of 60%.

The Board has determined that additional records are needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection. The issues of lumbar spine disability, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, glaucoma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), vasectomy, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are being remanded to obtain additional records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, bilateral pes planus, and low back disability due to additional development being required.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to increases in ratings for low back and left knee disabilities, as well as a TDIU prior to June 30, 2015. The appeals are pending further development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU claims have been denied. The Veteran was granted a higher rating for his bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies since December 4, 2019.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea syndrome, low back disability (secondary to bilateral knee disability), and hemorrhoids. The reasons given were that the conditions did not pre-exist service or were not aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability. The private physician's opinion supported this finding, linking the onset of MDD during active duty and attributing its aggravation by his service-connected condition.

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding reopening service connection claims for lumbar spine disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a need for further development of medical records.

The Board has remanded the claim for further development and clarification of the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disabilities, including whether they are related to service or preexisting conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back condition, finding that his current condition did not manifest in service or within one year following separation from active duty and was not related to an event or injury in service. The Board also found no evidence of preexisting conditions.

The Board denied a rating in excess of the assigned ratings for lumbosacral spine degenerative joint disease from May 3, 2013 to October 16, 2020. The Veteran's condition was found not to warrant an increased rating during these periods.

The Board has remanded the case for a determination on whether the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU prior to June 1, 2017. The appeal will be considered in light of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on employment.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability and sciatica of the lower extremities, but denied service connection for his left hip disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and right knee conditions are being remanded due to the need for further action by the AOJ.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a back condition have been granted.,Evidence showed current disabilities in each of these conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted as service connected.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to service-connected lumbar spine disability is granted.,Left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, presumed due to Agent Orange exposure, is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lower back and left leg conditions, which are currently considered service-connected.