Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability and related surgical scar render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation as of September 12, 2016. Prior to that date, he was not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran’s 40 percent rating for a lumbar spine disability from April 11, 2016, to October 10, 2018, was improper and the 40 percent rating should be restored. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and issue a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and medical opinions are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection due to her reported conditions. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back pain, left knee condition, right ankle condition, and respiratory condition are all remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's back disability is related to his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, including diagnoses of lumbosacral strain, chronic low back pain, lumbar disc degenerative disease with bulging discs and lumbar facet arthropathy. The appeal was reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death, and no effective dates are being assigned as the claims have become moot.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted. The bilateral hearing loss disability appeal is dismissed without prejudice. The low back condition, bilateral hand condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of her condition, including range of motion testing and evaluation during flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and development due to lack of range of motion testing in previous VA examination reports, as well as issues regarding an earlier effective date for TDIU.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent effective November 7, 2012. She is entitled to a higher rating prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for increase ratings in Meniere’s syndrome and depressive disorder have been withdrawn.,The issues of service connection for colitis, TDIU from December 1, 2012 to August 4, 2016, and the remaining appeal are remanded.

The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy, as well as tinnitus, was granted.,The claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle condition, bilateral hip condition, bilateral knee condition, and back condition secondary to right ankle condition are inextricably intertwined with his claim for right ankle condition. As such, these related issues must be remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to a lack of evidence showing that his left knee infection and related disabilities were caused by VA medical treatment or surgery.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disability and awarded a maximum 30 percent rating for IBS, finding that the Veteran's symptoms of severe alternating diarrhea and constipation with constant abdominal distress meet the criteria for these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and cervical neck lordosis condition, vertigo, irritable bowel syndrome, and migraine headaches as secondary to her service-connected disability of nonspecific musculoligamentous strain, lumbar spine. The remanded issues include determining whether these conditions are aggravated by her service-connected disabilities or if they have a direct relationship with her military service.

The Board has decided that the service connection claims for various injuries during active service need to be remanded due to missing service treatment records. The VA is instructed to attempt to obtain these records and re-adjudicate the issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's scoliosis and resulting back disability were likely aggravated by his service, leading to a chronic condition. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate VA examination for his back disability. The hearing loss claim remains denied.

The Veteran's lumbar strain disability is being remanded for further evaluation due to recent symptom worsening and the need for updated VA treatment records.