Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted a rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's lumbar strain disability, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has dismissed the service connection claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a lumbar spine disability as there is not an adequate nexus opinion on whether his diagnosed lumbar spine disability was caused by his active duty service. The case must be returned to the RO for further development, including obtaining treatment records prior to 2007 and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining complete medical records and arranging for an orthopedic examination. The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are also being considered in light of new evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and upper extremity disabilities, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% rating, and his claim for service connection for trapezius and lumbar pain with scoliosis was dismissed as withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for his back and neck disabilities prior to specific dates have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back disability was denied. The current 20% rating is upheld as the evidence does not show that the condition meets or approximates the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's lumbar DJD is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds no evidence to warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with DJD of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds no evidence to warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with DJD of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent from February 19, 2018, and the Board finds no evidence to warrant a higher rating prior to that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis.,For the period prior to December 6, 2016, the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis was rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to address functional loss, flare-ups, and additional impairment due to antalgic gait. The low back disability is also being remanded for an addendum opinion regarding its relationship to service-connected knee disabilities.

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

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and needs a new VA examination to determine the nature, etiology, cause, and aggravation of the Veteran's low back disability.

The Veteran's low back strain and associated radiculopathy were granted a disability rating of 40 percent from January 6, 2015 to February 5, 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability and remanded the issue of service connection for plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions and subsequent complications. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the causes of various disabilities and whether they are proximately due to VA care or services.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted a 30% rating as of October 18, 2013. Prior to this date, he was rated at 10%. The increased ratings for PTSD and lumbar strain remain denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability and vertebral hemangiomas, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Veteran's back condition and radiculopathy of the lower extremities have been granted a rating of 20 percent effective March 31, 2010. The decision is based on the severity of his symptoms as described in medical records.