Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical records and a need for clarification on the nature of the Veteran's current low back disability, including whether it had its onset in service.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds no evidence of symptoms warranting a higher rating.,For his lumbar spine disability, the Veteran was previously rated at 10 percent prior to October 21, 2016. From that date forward, he has been rated at 40 percent. The Board concludes that neither period warrants a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence received, and a supplemental medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his service.

The Veteran's medical expenses for July 14, 2016 were approved because her severe back pain and sciatic pain required immediate emergency care at a non-VA facility due to the lack of feasible VA options.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine strain, right hip osteoarthritis, left hip osteoarthritis and femoral acetabular impingement, and limited extension of the left hip have been dismissed as he has withdrawn these claims.

The Veteran's claims for left foot disability and lumbar spine disability, both related to his service-connected right foot disability, were denied as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions are proximately due to or aggravated by the service-connected right foot disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various orthopedic conditions, including left elbow, right elbow, low back, left knee, and right knee conditions. The reasons include insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions and a need for further examination to address the Veteran's lay statements about chronic symptoms since service.

The Veteran's right-sided sciatica and radiculitis have been granted a disability rating of 40 percent, but no higher. The Veteran’s low back disability has been remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for thoracolumbar strain is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional development of his claims file.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder is related to service. The claim will be returned for further development and an opinion on this matter.

The Board has determined that the service connection for DJD of the thoracolumbar spine should be restored, as there is conflicting evidence regarding whether the condition was incurred during service or preexisted.

The Veteran's right knee condition is rated at 20 percent since February 16, 2012. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person.,The claim for a higher rating for the right knee condition prior to February 16, 2012, is dismissed as the Veteran's highest disability rating was 40 percent from May 14, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and bilateral knee disorders, rendered him unable to work in any active or sedentary position he might have been able to obtain with his background. The Board has granted an effective date of January 19, 2011 for the TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability, lower back disability, and psychiatric disorder. The evidence does not support finding that any current disabilities are related to military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection, as is his lumbar spine disability at a 10% rating. The right leg radiculopathy remains at a 10% rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for joint pain in the hands and feet, low back disorder, and depression due to potential outstanding private treatment records. The claim for diabetes mellitus remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability more closely approximates unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, granting a 100% rating for the period prior to November 16, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has added over 300 pages of VA treatment records to the claims file, which may be relevant to the Veteran's appeals. The AOJ needs to review this new evidence and issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case before making a decision on the issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a bilateral hand condition, low back condition, and bilateral knee condition due to outstanding VA treatment records and need for further examination.