Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has determined that new VA examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee impairment preexisted service and was aggravated by active duty. The cervical spine disorder and lumbar spine disorder are remanded for further development as veteran status is not established for the periods of ACDUTRA mentioned.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication due to outstanding private treatment records, updated VA records, and a need for additional examination of the Veteran's lumbar spine. The issues include rating sinusitis, erectile dysfunction, painful bowel function, and degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for a lumbar spine disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to July 17, 2019 and after that date.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his back disability was denied. The TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional information regarding the Veteran's work and educational history.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on the merits have been remanded due to new evidence received and issues related to his hands, back, and CT scan reaction.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA medical opinions and outstanding treatment records. The Veteran's low back disability is being reviewed again for possible service connection.

The Veteran's mild thoracolumbar compression fractures with degenerative disc disease and low back condition are granted service connection, as the evidence shows a link to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented, reopening the claims of entitlement to service connection for low back, right leg, left leg, right foot, and left foot disabilities. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that it is related to his in-service left shoulder injury. The decision resolves all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disability, cervical spine disability, and thoracolumbar spine disability have been granted. The cervical spine disability has a rating of 20 percent, while the thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders due to conflicting opinions in the VA examination report. The case will be returned to the AOJ with additional records and an addendum opinion from a qualified medical professional.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, neck, left knee, right knee, and right ankle disabilities may be related to service. However, due to a lack of VA examinations addressing these claims, the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional examinations and further development due to new complaints of pain and worsening symptoms.

The Board has denied the Veteran's requests for effective dates prior to January 22, 2016 for service connection and increased ratings of his disabilities. The issues have been remanded due to a lack of VA treatment records from the relevant period.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing records and incomplete information, particularly regarding his periods of active duty in Germany. The VA will make additional efforts to obtain these records.

The Veteran's low back strain is now rated at 40 percent effective August 16, 2016. His left foot fracture remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent from January 20, 2009 to January 28, 2014 and at 10 percent from April 1, 2014 to May 12, 2017. The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding these periods.

The Veteran's low back disability, right leg radiculopathy, and left leg radiculopathy have been granted ratings. The Veteran is also granted total disability based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for nephropathy with hypertension, degenerative changes, low back, and diabetes mellitus have been denied. The Board found that the current evaluations adequately reflect the severity of the disabilities.