Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased disability evaluations were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection due to pre-existing bilateral pes planus, arthritis of the lumbar spine, residuals of a contusion of the left arm with nerve damage, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, right knee strain, stress reaction of the left ankle, and stress reaction of the right ankle.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on various service-connected disabilities were denied. The Veteran was granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and an acquired psychiatric disorder, which resolved the benefit sought.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, finding that it was caused by an in-service injury.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for low back condition and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to inadequate development of the record. The AOJ must obtain all outstanding medical records, including private treatment records from as early as 2005, and provide an adequate examination regarding the etiology of the Veteran’s diagnosed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for a back disability, specifically due to an earlier finding of congenital anomaly in the lumbosacral spine. The appellant needs further evaluation and a new medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent from May 27, 2011 to August 10, 2020.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including low back and right knee conditions, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disability, gastrointestinal disability (claimed as irritable bowel disease and Crohn's disease), diabetes mellitus type II, and narcolepsy. The claims were remanded for further development regarding a respiratory disability and varicose veins.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40% since November 10, 2016. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or IVDS episodes. A TDIU determination was granted.

The Veteran's low back disability and sciatic radiculopathy of the lower extremities are not rated higher than their current levels.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease has been rated at 20 percent prior to March 18, 2014. The rating is based on the limitation of motion and pain in the thoracolumbar spine.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not found to warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent from December 5, 2012 due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion less than 30 degrees or ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and for an increased rating for his low back disability due to conflicting medical opinions and potential changes in the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis has not been manifested by forward flexion of the cervical or thoracolumbar spine, and no IVDS is present. Therefore, a rating in excess of 20 percent for his condition is denied.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his cervical spine disability and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent before December 4, 2009, and 20 percent from December 4, 2009.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for back and respiratory disabilities. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again with new medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and further examination is needed. Pension benefits are granted as of April [REDACTED], 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disability, lumbosacral strain rating, and TDIU due to outstanding VA treatment records and private treatment records. The Veteran needs to be provided with a VA examination to determine if his cervical spine disability is related to service or secondary to his lumbosacral strain.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disorder, finding that his current condition is caused by an in-service injury during active duty for training (ACDUTRA). The decision resolves all doubts in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete records, particularly VA treatment records. The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for low back strain and service connection for pharyngitis will be reconsidered after obtaining any relevant medical evidence.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted a 40 percent rating as of August 13, 2008.