Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to inadequate examination. A new examination will be scheduled to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination for a back disability, requiring further evaluation and evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical services received at Richmond Memorial Hospital due to lack of emergency condition and unavailability of VA facilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected chronic adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, as well as degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports. Additionally, the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left hip and low back conditions are not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his in-service right ankle disability.

Service connection for hemorrhoids is denied.,An initial rating of 10 percent for migraine headaches prior to February 9, 2018 is denied. A 30 percent rating for migraine headaches effective from February 9, 2018 is granted.,A rating in excess of 10 percent prior to July 6, 2015 and a rating in excess of 20 percent thereafter for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is denied.,An initial compensable rating prior to April 16, 2019, and a rating in excess of 40 percent thereafter for traumatic brain injury is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for DDD was granted, with the Board finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise that his current diagnosis of DDD began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's claim for reopening of service connection for bilateral pes planus and secondary plantar fascitis was granted. The Board found new and material evidence had been received, allowing the claim to be reopened.

The Veteran's low back condition is granted service connection. The issues of left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded for further examination and opinion. The issue of total disability rating based on individual unemployability is also remanded.

The Veteran's upper back condition, which includes left scapulothoracic muscular strain, is rated at a 20 percent disability level. The rating is based on the current severity of his condition as determined by a VA examination in June 2019.

The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes, low back pain, sinusitis, hypertension, GERD, painful lower extremities/myalgias, coronary artery disease (heart disease), flu virus, group C virus, adenovirus, skin disability, and right kidney disability have all been denied as not related to service or service-connected conditions.,The claim for a higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals, fractures, right toes has been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability has been reopened, but the Board finds that the VA examiner's opinion is inadequate and remands the case for further development.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant withdrew it.

The Veteran's residuals of scrotal injury for the period prior to July 22, 2017 is denied as it did not manifest in long-term drug therapy, hospitalizations, or intermittent intensive management.,The Veteran's residuals of scrotal injury for the period from July 22, 2017 through the present is granted with a rating of 10 percent.,The Veteran's entitlement to an initial compensable rating for chronic lumbar strain for the period prior to October 1, 2015 and a rating in excess of 10 percent for the period from October 1, 2015 through the present is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus the Board grants a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, GAD, SAD, and ADD is remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is also remanded as there is insufficient evidence on whether it was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability and his service, including an injury to his coccyx in 1952. The preponderance of the evidence does not support service connection.

The Veteran's low back disability was granted a 40 percent rating effective August 2, 2014. His neck sprain received a separate 10 percent rating.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted service connection and rated separately from the low back disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for a bilateral hand/wrist neurological disorder, low back disorder, neck disorder, hemorrhoids, and tinnitus due to incomplete medical records and the need for VA examinations.

The Board granted service connection for a back condition, cervical strain (neck condition), and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The conditions are considered to be directly related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's left knee DJD and instability, as well as his lumbar spine disability, are all granted with specific ratings. The left knee DJD is rated at 10% from November 20, 2008 to December 3, 2018, and the lumbar spine disability remains at 20%. The Veteran's meniscus tear and instability each receive a separate 10% rating.