Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board granted earlier effective dates for the assignment of separate 20 percent ratings for right and left knee instability, but denied earlier effective dates for increased ratings for PTSD and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis.

The Board remands the matter for a new VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, including during flare-ups.

The Board granted service connection for low back conditions, left hip condition, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and a 50 percent rating for sinusitis as of August 22, 2022.

The Board granted service connection for several conditions, including unspecified depressive disorder, right and left hand tremors, GERD, IBS, gastritis, chronic sinusitis, dermatosis of the arms, hands, and feet, bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral tinea pedis, and a lumbar spine disability. The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for TBI and a compensable rating for migraine headaches.

The Board granted earlier effective dates of November 21, 2023, for the evaluations of 40 percent for low back disability, 20 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy, and 20 percent for right knee disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes and various musculoskeletal disorders, finding no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active service.

The Board granted service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and granted a 40 percent rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy prior to September 1, 2024. Other claims were denied or remanded.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for lumbar spine disorder, bowel and bladder disorders, and radiculopathy of both lower extremities to correct an error by the RO in satisfying a statutory duty to assist.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, right hip strain, lumbosacral strain, right knee meniscal tear, and left wrist sprain. The claim for service connection for cervical strain was remanded.

The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and bilateral knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor based on evidence showing onset during active-duty service.

The appeal for proposed rating reductions of the left and right ankle disabilities was dismissed, as they are not appealable. The claim for service connection for a low back condition could not be readjudicated due to lack of new relevant evidence. Service connection for tinnitus was denied, while the issue of entitlement to service connection for a heart condition was remanded.

The Board remands the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back disability due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board granted an effective date of January 16, 2022, but no earlier, for the award of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain with spondylosis and scoliosis, finding the evidence to be in at least approximate balance regarding its onset during active service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings and the challenge to a rating reduction, thus the Board dismissed the appeal.

The appeals for service connection for fibromyalgia, narcolepsy, multiple sclerosis, constipation, thoracolumbar myofascial trigger points, GERD, and blurred vision and diplopia were dismissed. The appeal for hypertension was readjudicated based on new evidence.

The Board granted the reopening of claims for service connection for left knee condition, chronic back pain from sacroiliac joint (claimed as back condition), status post total knee replacement, right knee, and left hand writer's dystonia (also claimed as tremors) based on new and relevant evidence. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Board granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding its relation to the Veteran's service.

The Board remands all claims for service connection for various conditions secondary to hemochromatosis due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings, earlier effective dates, TDIU on an extraschedular basis, and SMC at the housebound rate due to his lumbar spine disability.