Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for depression was denied. The claim for an increased rating of 50 percent or higher for mixed type headache disorder was granted, effective November 1, 2011 to June 19, 2019. The claim for a higher rating for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease status post L4-5 discectomy was denied. Separate ratings of 10 percent or higher were granted for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities associated with lumbar spine degenerative disc disease status post L4-5 discectomy, effective February 23, 2007. A noncompensable rating was granted for erectile dysfunction associated with lumbar spine degenerative disc disease status post L4-5 discectomy, effective February 23, 2007. SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ was granted, effective February 23, 2007.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for chronic low back disorder and hepatitis C, as well as rating and effective date determinations. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current spinal disabilities. The right arm/shoulder disability issue is referred to the AOJ.

The Veteran's service connection for basal cell carcinoma and increased evaluations for various disabilities are granted. Effective dates prior to January 20, 2016 for the grants of these benefits are denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete VA examination and requires additional information regarding the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability.

The Board has granted service connection for low back condition, left knee condition, right foot hallux valgus with degenerative arthritis, right hip trochanteric pain syndrome, and left hip trochanteric pain syndrome. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his lumbar spine disorder has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to the Veteran's failure to report for VA examinations and other procedural issues.

The Board denied service connection for left knee, right knee, low back, and right ankle disabilities. The claim for obstructive sleep apnea was also denied.

The Veteran's appeals of increased ratings for his lower back disability have been dismissed as he withdrew the appeal in writing.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current functional impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical opinion, and a new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's low back pain condition is related to service.

The Board granted a 20 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine prior to October 18, 2018. From October 18, 2018, the Board denied an increased rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied the remaining issues related to knee, hip, back, and neuropathy conditions. The left knee condition is found to have been aggravated by service beyond its natural progression.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports that did not address functional loss during flare-ups, and a new examination is needed.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left ulnar styloid, service connection for his low back disability, and service connection for his dental disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran will need to undergo further examinations to determine the current severity of his conditions and whether they are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for asthma and low back disability due to inadequate opinions in the VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee disorder, and therefore grants this claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of consideration of continuity of symptoms in service, and the need for an examination to address the appellant's reported low back symptoms.