Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine was denied. The Board also found that the Veteran’s TDIU claim prior to October 1, 2013 should be remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded three issues related to service connection for lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, and radiculopathy in the upper extremities due to incomplete factual assumptions in the April 2017 VA examinations.

The Veteran's right foot disability is granted service connection. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for sinusitis and a back disability, as secondary to service-connected bilateral knee and feet disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals regarding right and left knee disabilities have been withdrawn, resulting in their dismissal.,The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for his right and left foot hallux valgus are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted service connection and rated at 10%. The right and left great toe scars are granted a 10% rating. The Veteran's migraine headaches remain at the maximum schedular rating of 50%. Service connection for a back disability, including as secondary to service-connected disabilities, and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD. The Board found the evidence in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran’s joint pain, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, lipomas, Gulf War Illness, bronchial asthma, nasal polyps, digestive problems, hernia, and skin problems are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right knee, left knee, and lumbar spine. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible testimony regarding his in-service injury and continuity of symptoms.

The Veteran's appeals regarding increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including left upper lobe granulomatous infection with pulmonary nodule, was reopened and granted effective June 20, 2013. An effective date of June 20, 2013, but no earlier, is assigned for the award of service connection. The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to April 15, 2008 remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her thoracolumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating from February 17, 2011 to May 20, 2013 for the thoracolumbar spine disability or from May 20, 2013 onwards. For her bilateral knee disabilities, she was already receiving a 10 percent evaluation based on limited range of motion and pain.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a low back disability, as secondary to service-connected seizure disorder due to inadequate medical opinions and need for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a back disability, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating due to lack of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent each leg. The Board finds no evidence supporting ratings in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to a lack of recent VA examinations, and requests that Social Security Administration records be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for a back disability. The case is now in remand status and requires further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spinal stenosis with degenerative disc disease and IVDS due to new evidence being added to the record.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous remand directives regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The matter is now pending for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU, and his service-connected right knee condition and back condition have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. The issues on appeal were about increased ratings for various knee and spine conditions, as well as TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.