Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connected due to his in-service stressors. His disability rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is also granted, leading to eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his postoperative degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is remanded due to inadequate examinations and lack of retrospective functional loss assessment.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran’s degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine has been rated based on its impact on his work and daily life.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for right shoulder and low back disabilities due to outstanding medical records and additional development is needed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a low back disability and remanded the issue of determining whether this condition is related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating and TDIU for the period prior to May 14, 2012 due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder and right knee/thigh disorder are granted as service-connected. The initial evaluation for PTSD is granted at 70 percent from October 1, 2015 to February 10, 2016.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence of record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and a right knee disorder, both secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The decision was based on the lack of evidence showing that these conditions were related to service or to his service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the lower extremities, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran's radiculopathy is being examined further regarding its relation to his service-connected lumbar myositis and other back disorders.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and verification of his periods of active duty, as well as obtaining any available service treatment records. The issues include bilateral hearing loss, bilateral eye disorders (including right and left eyes), back disability, neck disability, right arm disability, left arm disability, right hip disability, left hip disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, and right foot disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions. Service connection will be determined based on the merits of each claim.

Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted.,An increased disability rating of 40 percent, but no higher, for lumbar spine arthritis is granted. The Veteran's back disability does not meet the criteria for an even higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.,Prior to November 17, 2015, an increased disability rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for facial acne is granted. From November 17, 2015 onwards, the Veteran's facial acne does not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.,The appeal seeking an increased rating for erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea are dismissed as the Veteran withdrew these claims prior to the decision being made.,Service connection for bilateral knee disability is reopened. The claim will be remanded for further review.,Service connection for right wrist, right ankle, and bilateral plantar fasciitis disabilities are remanded.,Increased rating for bilateral metatarsus primus varus, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and adjustment disorder are also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, and a new VA examination is required.

Service connection is denied for hearing loss and tinnitus as there is no evidence of current disability at present.,The Veteran's right hip, low back, left knee, right knee, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities are remanded due to incomplete service treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation of PTSD due to additional relevant evidence received since the last decision, including VA medical records and Vet Center treatment records. The AOJ is also instructed to obtain any outstanding treatment records from the Vet Center.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between his current disabilities and active service. The issues include lower back disability, ankle disabilities (both ankles), bilateral flat feet, and complex regional pain syndrome in legs.

The Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder are service-connected, but his back disability is not. The right shoulder disability has been rated at 20% since April 2015.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The appellant's left lower extremity radiculopathy is to be evaluated, and his low back disability on an extraschedular basis is also to be reviewed.

The Veteran's increased ratings for DDD at C4-5 and C6, as well as cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, were denied. The Board also found that remand was necessary to address service connection claims for back disability and right leg disability.