Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disorder and radiculopathy have been denied. The RO found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings at any point during the appeal period.,Specifically, the Veteran’s back condition was rated as 20 percent prior to March 14, 2016, and then as 40 percent from July 1, 2016. The left lower extremity radiculopathy was rated as non-compensable (0%) from March 14, 2016 to April 17, 2017, and as moderately severe thereafter. The right lower extremity radiculopathy was also rated as non-compensable until April 18, 2017, when it was rated as moderately severe.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, back disability, diabetes, and others, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate medical opinions and need for further evidence. The Veteran's low back disability may be related to service, but more information is needed. For the pneumothorax, it was determined that the Veteran was on ACDUTRA at the time of his hospitalization.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right shoulder, left shoulder, and right knee DJD conditions have been denied. The Veteran's lumbar and thoracic spine condition has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to conflicting dates of service and incomplete records. The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and sinus condition are being reviewed, with a focus on obtaining all relevant medical records and conducting examinations.

The case is being remanded for further development to address the Veteran's back condition, including testing active and passive motion, assessing pain during motion, and evaluating any flare-ups. The rating will be readjudicated after this.

The Board has determined that the Veteran needs to be reexamined for his lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as an additional VA etiology opinion for his obstructive sleep apnea. The claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, small Haglund deformities, and hammer toes are also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative back disorder, major depressive disorder, tinnitus, and feet problems, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement for schedular TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and assistance, thus granting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, which is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, lumbar strain, left knee strain and radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his low-back disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy was denied. The rating assigned for the back disability is 40 percent, effective from various dates.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, rating in excess of 10 percent for a back disability, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues are being remanded because the VA did not obtain updated treatment records and conduct adequate examinations.

The Veteran's lumbar spine stenosis is granted as secondary to his service-connected left hip Legg-Perthes disease.,His left lower extremity neurological impairment (sciatica) and right lower extremity neurological impairment (sciatica) are both granted as secondary to his lumbar spine disability.,His right hip necrosis is granted as secondary to his service-connected left hip Legg-Perthes disease.,The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome, hypertension, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability were all denied.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claims for service connection for a lower back disability and bilateral pes planus was granted. The claim for service connection for a lower back disability is remanded, while the claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus is reopened.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for postherpetic neuralgia involving the right ear and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs a new VA examination for his postherpetic neuralgia involving the right ear, and his claim for TDIU will be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration.

The Veteran's initial ratings for service-connected lumbar facet degeneration with sclerosis and DDD, left knee strain, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, cervical spine (neck) disability with muscle spasms, left shoulder disability with nerve damage, and left hip disability have all been denied.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, joint swelling and stiffness, bilateral knee disability, back disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, and headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The effective date of service connection for PTSD is set at November 1, 2010.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection, effective October 13, 2016.,Claims for left knee disability, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and PTSD were also granted, but the effective date is set at October 13, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and a disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his low back disability due to insufficient development and readjudication.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective November 21, 2014. His RLE radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is rated at 20 percent since that date.