Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher initial rating for a lumbosacral spine disability and entitlement to TDIU due to inadequate VA examination reports prior to September 15, 2017. A retrospective medical opinion is needed to address the severity of the service-connected condition during the period on appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of increased rating for a back disability and service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and constipation. The case is being remanded to obtain new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of his left ankle, right and left knee disabilities as well as a rating in excess of 20 percent for his low back disability due to potential secondary etiologies. The appeals are now pending with the AOJ.

The Board found that the reduction of disability ratings for lumbar myalgias and left ankle disability from 40% to 20% effective August 1, 2018 was proper based on sustained improvement in symptoms.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for cervical, lumbar spine disorders and right and left knee disabilities due to incomplete records and need for additional development. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spine disability, hip disabilities, immune system and digestive tract disabilities, PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities. Additional evidence is needed, as well as clarification on the nature and etiology of some conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for a left foot disorder. The low back pain disorder is denied as not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for a lumbar strain, service connection for right ear hearing loss, service connection for a gastrointestinal disability (presumably due to herbicide exposure), and service connection for sleep apnea (due to herbicide exposure or as secondary to PTSD).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating determinations due to procedural issues, lack of medical nexus opinions, and need for additional evidence. The effective date issue remains unresolved.

The Board has remanded the cases for obtaining additional VA treatment records from July 2014 to the Veteran's death in July 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is for an increased evaluation of his service-connected thoracolumbar strain, including the propriety of a reduction from 20 percent to 10 percent effective February 1, 2018. The Board has determined that remand is necessary due to inadequate medical evidence and requests updated VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to outstanding treatment records from a United States Army health care center, as well as the need for VA examinations for his right knee disability and skin condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to privacy request issues and missing VA medical records from 1990 to 1997. The claims for bilateral knee pain, lumbar spine spondylosis and degenerative disc disease, and an earlier effective date are also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for an examination regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including whether it is related to his service-connected eczema.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, hypertension, back disability, right shin splint disorder, left shin splint disorder, ingrown toenails, seizure disorder, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), and bilateral ear keratosis obturans have all been denied.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for the right middle finger laceration scar has been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current lumbar spine condition is related to his service. The Veteran needs an examination to determine if his back problems are linked to his military service.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 20 percent rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability, effective June 21, 2017. The higher than 20 percent and compensable ratings for restrictive lung disease and tension headaches remain denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's hypogonadism with low testosterone is currently rated at zero percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at zero percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at zero percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right foot disability is currently rated at zero percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the VA examiner's opinion regarding service connection for the Veteran's lower back disorder is inadequate and a new examination is needed. The issues are whether the Veteran's lower back disorder had its onset in service or is related to his active service, and if it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee and bilateral ankle disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, a dental condition for compensation purposes, and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support a finding that any current disabilities were related to service.