Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board remands the case to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error by obtaining private treatment records.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the spine to include degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) based on the evidence showing that forward flexion has been limited to no less than 45 degrees, which is greater than the 30 degrees required for a higher rating.

The appeal for an earlier effective date of September 26, 2023, was dismissed as moot because the benefit sought had already been granted.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including an acquired psychiatric disorder and multiple musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions, to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist by obtaining necessary medical examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a scar on the right big toe region and denied increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, including right hip strain and right knee osteoarthritis. The Board also remanded several issues for further development.

The veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted a 30 percent disability rating for sarcoidosis from February 28, 2023, and denied higher ratings for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder.

The Board remands the claims for further development and readjudication, including obtaining new evidence and opinions.

The Board remands the claims for a new VA medical opinion to address the severity of, and functional impairment resulting from, the Veteran's low back and right lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Board granted an effective date of October 24, 2022 for the assignment of a 40 percent rating for service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with muscle spasm and 20 percent ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve).

The Board remands the claim for service connection of degenerative disc disease to request a medical opinion on whether it is related to an injury sustained during inactive duty for training in 2017.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for a more contemporaneous examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and back disability, as well as earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, and initial ratings for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and back disability, as well as earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, and initial ratings for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board granted service connection for a right shoulder disability and increased the rating for obstructive sleep apnea to 50 percent, while denying service connection for hypertension and other claims.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and higher initial disability ratings of 70%, 40%, and 20% for PTSD, back disability, and left lower extremity radiculopathy respectively. The claims for higher ratings for right hip limitations and eye photophobia were denied.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for a back condition due to an error in the duty to assist.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the claim for a low back disability.

The Board remands the matter of entitlement to service connection for a lumbar spine disability due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board granted service connection for a right hip condition, back condition, and right ankle strain as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee condition.