Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability with associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy had onset during service and is related to his military service, granting service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lumbar radiculopathy. The decision also notes that the issue of service connection for a left hip disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to a lack of VA examinations and incomplete evidence. The Veteran is requested to undergo VA examinations for hepatitis C, cervical spine disability, lower back disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's service-connected neck, back, and knee disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 28, 2018. The Board has remanded the case for further review by VA’s Director of Compensation Service regarding entitlement to TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for a service-connected back disability and TDIU due to additional development being necessary. The Veteran's intent on whether he wishes to proceed with his claim or withdraw it needs clarification.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease, left shoulder sprain, and right shoulder sprain were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a chronic back disorder as new and material evidence was not received, and the condition is considered unrelated to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his claimed disabilities, including psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain syndrome, and a lumbar spine disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical opinions and the need for updated radiographic imaging. The Veteran's low back disability is being reviewed again to determine if it is related to his service-connected right ankle and knee disabilities or if favoring one leg over the other has caused or aggravated any low back disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability. Further development is needed to determine if the condition is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his chronic lumbar strain and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claim for headaches was denied, and his claims for increased ratings for low back disability were also denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a chronic headache disorder in service or within one year after separation from service, and that there is no evidence of a link between his current headaches and service-connected low back disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses due to lack of emergency treatment and non-feasibility of VA facilities, despite his assertions.

The Veteran's initial rating for a low back disability from January 28, 2009 to September 30, 2019 was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion. The Veteran's initial rating for a low back disability from October 1, 2019 was also denied as she did not meet the criteria for an increased rating due to limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left palmar median nerve neuropathy was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD with polysubstance abuse prior to April 30, 2014 and from August 1, 2014, was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating of 70 percent or higher.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates earlier than specific dates have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for initial disability ratings in excess of specific percentages have also been dismissed.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran’s lumbar spine disability has been granted a 40 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability, including degenerative disc disease, is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, status post laminectomy. The initial compensable disability rating for left arm scar is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his lumbar spine condition, as well as his hernia. The issues are related to whether these conditions are linked to his military service.