Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has denied service connection for a back disability and a left shoulder disability, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or condition related to the disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her chronic low back syndrome was denied, and the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities other than PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for spondylosis of the thoracolumbar spine was granted, with an effective date from November 1, 2011 to December 29, 2014. The appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding her right and left knee conditions.,The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left knee conditions are being remanded as additional development is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to a lack of a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) and inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's lower back disorder was rated at 40 percent since August 10, 2020. The rating is denied as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to May 4, 2008.

The Veteran's lumbar strain has been granted a 20 percent evaluation, effective February 21, 2017. The Board also remanded several service connection claims for further review.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for her service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of both lower extremities, stating she had received complete compensation since initiating the appeal in November 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including lumbar disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, and spondylosis, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve associated with service-connected lumbar strain with DDD was denied. The Board found that the disability more closely approximated a moderately severe incomplete paralysis, warranting a 40 percent rating. The issue of entitlement to SMC based on loss of use of the foot due to his radiculopathy was also denied.

The Board has remanded the issue of whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically his foot and spine conditions. The case will be reviewed by a medical professional who will provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's obesity, caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, contributed to his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease with IVDS and low back pain is currently rated at 40 percent, effective May 11, 2015. The rating remains denied as the disability does not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for neck, shoulder, back, hip, and sleep apnea disabilities due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the VA examiner's opinion is inadequate and requires further examination to address the Veteran’s lay statements regarding his service-connected back pain.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s)(1) is granted, as he meets the criteria with a combined rating of 100 percent due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 40% rating effective June 23, 2020. Prior to this date, the disability had been rated as noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing records and conducting a VA examination to assess the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The TDIU rating is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's statements regarding continuity of symptomatology since his in-service injury are credible and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and low back disorders, finding that additional opinions are needed to address the relationship between these conditions and his military service, as well as any aggravation by his service-connected right knee and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's back and bilateral knee disorders are granted as secondary to his service-connected bilateral foot disabilities. His bilateral pes planus is already at the maximum schedular rating.