Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbosacral muscle strain with degenerative changes at L5-S1 is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, but the Board has determined that this rating is not warranted due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the preceding 12 months.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating for various conditions are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, right eye injury, and migraine headaches. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.,Service records do not show any documented injuries or diagnoses related to the Veteran’s current conditions.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for her lumbar strain are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted a separate compensable rating of 10 percent for right knee instability.,The Veteran's back disability is currently rated as 40 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a low back condition, and a left leg disability (sciatica). The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 10 percent prior to December 2, 2016 and increased to 40 percent thereafter. The left ankle disability was rated at 10 percent prior to December 2, 2016 and increased to 20 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's low back disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating before or after December 2, 2016.

The Board denied service connection for chronic lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee disorders due to lack of evidence showing a link between the conditions and active service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service-connected, and he is awarded a separate 20 percent rating for his right lower extremity sciatica associated with lumbosacral strain. The Veteran's lumbosacral strain remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied in November 2010, and the effective date of the subsequent grants was set at June 11, 2018.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, lumbar spine disorder, and inner lower lip scar due to inadequate VA examinations and missing service personnel records.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, including arthritis, finding that the Veteran did not have chronic in-service back pain and that his current condition is not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative disc and joint disease (DDD). The examiner is asked to provide an addendum report on the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s current DDD, including any MRI and injection records.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability is granted at a 40 percent evaluation, effective March 2, 2010. The right and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities are each granted at a 40 percent evaluation beginning March 25, 2016.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a back condition and a left leg condition due to insufficient evidence regarding their relationship to service. The Veteran's lay statements, medical opinions, and VA treatment records are considered in determining whether there is a link between his current conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The VA examinations are inadequate and need to be redone.

The Veteran's appeals regarding increased ratings for left knee total arthroplasty and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal in December 2019.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with the requirements for a VA examination, and thus the case is being remanded to schedule the Veteran for an examination.

The Veteran's low back pain with lumbar stenosis and degenerative disease is granted service connection, and he is also granted SMC for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is found to be attributable to service, and service connection for this condition is granted.