Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board granted service connection for a neck disorder and dismissed the appeal for a right ankle disorder, while denying increased ratings for left ankle sprain, cervicogenic headaches, and other conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical strain and right upper extremity radiculopathy, and remanded claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a right wrist sprain and service connection for a lumbosacral strain.

The Board remands the claims for a VA examination to address deficiencies in the June 2023 examination report, specifically regarding range of motion testing and consideration of lay testimony.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded several issues related to her left knee, right knee, left ankle, right ankle, and low back disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for initial increased ratings for thoracolumbar spine arthritis, cervical spine arthritis, bilateral lower extremity femoral radiculopathy, and a scar.

The Board remands the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected lumbosacral strain, left ankle deltoid ligament sprain (left ankle disability), and bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The appeals for service connection and rating of various conditions were dismissed due to untimely filing of the VA Form 10182 within one year of the respective rating decisions, with no good cause shown.

The Board denied service connection for a back condition, left and right radiculopathy lower extremities (claimed as bilateral radiculopathy lower), and a bilateral foot condition (plantar fasciitis) due to the lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Board denied restoration of the 20 percent ratings for cervical spine strain, thoracolumbar strain, and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to improvement in the disabilities under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, and lumbosacral spine disabilities to obtain additional VA examination addendum opinions regarding secondary service connection due to the service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board granted service connection for a low back condition based on the Veteran's chronic symptoms since active duty and treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia, migraines, neuropsychological signs or symptoms, and a respiratory condition. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep disorder, lumbar spine disability, bilateral eye conditions, gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure, and left below knee amputation were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for gallstones, left eye disability, right eye disability, sinusitis, asbestos exposure, GERD, back disability, neck disability, and right ear hearing loss. The claims for left ear hearing loss, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for athlete's foot, tinea pedis, a lumbar spine disorder, depression as secondary to nonservice-connected conditions, left and right foot disorders, left knee disorder, and cervical spine disorder due to the lack of evidence showing current diagnoses at any time during the appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for all the claimed conditions as there was no evidence of a current disability at any point during the claims period or shortly prior to the claim being filed.

The Board remands the claim for an adequate examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran was granted a 40 percent rating for lumbosacral strain with spina bifida occulta and IVDS from September 4, 2019 to December 13, 2023, and an effective date of September 4, 2019 for the grant of service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with lumbosacral strain with spina bifida occulta and IVDS.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed for lack of response within 60 days of the Board's request for clarification.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of a 40 percent evaluation for IVDS, to include degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, as there was no factually ascertainable evidence that supported an increase in the disability rating within one year prior to March 8, 2022.