Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including low back disorder, right hip and knee disorders, bilateral foot disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (presumed due to service connection), peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and dental disorder. The decision also noted that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran is unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected lower back disability, which has resulted in moderate to severe pain, stiffness, weakness, and functional impairment. The Board finds that the Veteran's symptoms prevent him from performing any type of work.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, and requires a VA examination for further evaluation of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability was found to not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it did not result in limited range of motion or other disabling symptoms warranting an increased rating.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder sprains and thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease prior to May 4, 2013 were not found to meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's knee disorders and right foot calluses since May 4, 2013 are remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded four claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions in the VA examination reports. The Veteran's low back disorder, psychiatric condition, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities are all being reviewed.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for TBI was dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for migraines prior to April 2018 was denied, but he received a grant of a 50% rating for migraines from that date onwards.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current back disorder with sciatica is related to her service. Additional VA treatment records and an addendum opinion are needed.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for bilateral hearing loss, recurrent tinnitus, and neurological impairment of the lower extremities. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of a low back disorder as moot because it was granted by the RO in September 2016.,Service connection for a right shoulder disorder is denied due to lack of evidence linking current condition to military service.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his left and right knee disabilities, as well as for a thoracolumbar spine disability, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and proper notification of the appeal process.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is granted as service-connected, and his thoracolumbar spine disability remains at a 20% rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, scars on the left hand, allergic rhinitis, asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, heart condition, and GERD have been denied. The VA has ordered additional examinations to address these issues.,The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for his claimed conditions as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current diagnoses and active service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability.,Service connection for lumbar spine disability, emphysema, obstructive sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus, type II are all denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in service or otherwise related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for a VA examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine DJD and DDD, as well as an evaluation regarding entitlement to a higher than 20% rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to new and material evidence regarding two back injuries sustained during service, which may be related to the Veteran's current lower back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting personnel records regarding his ACDUTRA period. The RO is instructed to verify the Veteran’s assertion of full-time ACDUTRA during November 1992 to July 1993 at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for IVDS of the cervical and thoracolumbar spine were denied as his disabilities did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cold injury residuals of the hands and feet, as well as increased ratings for her low back disability, right knee arthritis, right knee instability, left knee disability, and left knee instability are all denied. The Board found that there is no current evidence of a cold injury or its residuals in the Veteran's case.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and sleep apnea, as well as his initial rating for MDD, ratings for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee osteoarthritis, left knee instability, and degenerative disc disease of L5-S1 have all been denied. The Board found that new evidence did not establish a link between the Veteran's conditions and service.