Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board dismissed the appeals of higher initial ratings for lumbosacral strain and intermittent supraventricular tachycardia with left ventricular hypertrophy, as the Veteran only wanted to pursue an appeal of the hypertension rating. The Board granted a 10 percent initial rating for hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left knee has been dismissed as it was included within her request to be placed in the AMA system, which encompasses all aspects of her service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's MDD is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities. His cervical strain was rated at 20% effective February 26, 2019, with additional radiculopathy ratings for the right upper extremity and left lower extremity.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was granted. The current rating of 40% is maintained since January 31, 2013.

The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for hearing loss of the right ear has been granted. Service connection is also granted for OSA, cervicogenic headaches, and cervical spine disability.,Service connection is granted for erectile dysfunction (ED), hypertension, a disability manifested by loss of balance secondary to cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, thyroid disorder, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to its current functional limitations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Major Depressive Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Degenerative Disc Disease with associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and Diabetes, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted the TDIU based on this finding.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed PTSD), and a back disorder. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and requesting SSA disability records. A new medical opinion is needed to address whether the Veteran's low back and right knee conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and neck disabilities due to inadequate opinions regarding whether her conditions were aggravated by periods of active duty training. The VA must obtain a legible copy of the Veteran's police report, verify specific dates of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA, and provide an addendum opinion addressing the etiology of her current back and neck disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected degenerative disc disease with left disc protrusion L4-5 is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and assessment of the current severity of his condition.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of back, bilateral leg, and bilateral foot disabilities due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the cases of left knee disability and arthritis, degenerative lower back condition for further development. The Veteran's left knee disabilities are to be evaluated by a VA medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back condition. The examiner is required to provide a more detailed analysis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and major depressive disorder was granted. However, his claim for a higher rating for low back disability was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence and additional examination. The issues include degenerative disc disease, bilateral knee pain, and depression.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of right knee disability and lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's temporary total rating for convalescence following a back surgery is being remanded to determine if an extension beyond December 31, 2016 is warranted. The issue of special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is also being remanded as it depends on the outcome of the temporary total rating issue.

The Veteran's back scar is not considered for a compensable rating.,Effective December 25, 2013, the Veteran received increased ratings of 40 percent for low back strain with IVDS and 20 percent each for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, is now service connected.,The radiculopathy affecting the Veteran’s bilateral lower extremities is also now service connected.,The left knee degenerative joint disease is now service connected.