Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain, with IVDS, and lumbar spondylosis was granted a 20 percent rating from July 13, 2017 to October 17, 2023, but denied for the period from October 18, 2023 to February 19, 2024. The 20 percent rating was restored effective February 20, 2024.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to service connection for lumbosacral strain and spondylosis, as well as entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for back, right hip, left hip, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right knee, and left knee disabilities as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board remands the case to obtain a retrospective medical opinion addressing the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder for the entire appeal period, including whether it exhibited ankylosis or its functional equivalent.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU due to a lumbar spine disability for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling new VA examinations.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for right leg radiculopathy from November 15, 2021, as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The appeal for an increased rating of the thoracolumbar spine disability is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lower spine, prior to September 29, 2020, and entitlement to a TDIU prior to September 5, 2017, due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board remands the matter for additional evidentiary development, specifically to respond to a request for information regarding the qualifications of a VA examiner.

The Board remands the case to ensure an adequate examination is conducted, including weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing range of motion assessments.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability secondary to his service-connected bilateral shoulder disability, as there was no evidence that the current disability was caused or aggravated by the service-connected condition.

The Board granted service connection for diverticulitis, cervical strain, and lumbosacral strain based on the Veteran's credible lay evidence of in-service onset and continuity of symptoms.

The Board granted an initial 20 percent evaluation for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, effective September 14, 2021. The appeal was also remanded to address additional issues related to the left foot disorder.

The Board remands the service connection claims for cervical strain, low back pain, right knee pain (bilateral), and left knee pain (bilateral) to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board granted service connection for neck disabilities, diagnosed as a cervical strain, degenerative arthritis, and degenerative disc disease other than IVDS.

The Board remands the claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder strain, 10 percent for cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) other than intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and 20 percent for left radial and ulnar radicular pain and paresthesia to afford the Veteran new VA examinations.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's right ankle condition, but remanded claims for other conditions including neck, upper extremity radiculopathy, back, and lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's GERD and Schatzki's ring were granted a combined rating of 30 percent, while other claims for increased ratings or service connection were denied.

The Board remands the claims for additional development, including obtaining VA medical opinion and correcting duty to assist errors.

The appeal for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability was dismissed due to the untimely filing of the Notice of Disagreement.