Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent since August 15, 2016. A separate rating of 10 percent for mild right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the lumbar spine disability was granted effective January 22, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to his service-connected lumbar spine and radiculopathy disabilities. The claims are being remanded for additional examinations, treatment records, and consideration of SSA disability benefits.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to concerns about the credibility of his statements and need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates prior to December 23, 2014 were denied as there was no formal or informal claim filed before that date.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claims for service connection for back and right knee disabilities can be adjudicated. The case is being remanded to obtain a new examination and medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for a back disorder. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board denied service connection for lower back disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and heart condition as there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence.

The appeal of the TDIU prior to March 6, 2010 is being remanded due to its inextricability with the low back disability claim. The low back disability rating claim has also been remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection, including reopening of claims for various conditions. The Veteran's PTSD is also being evaluated further.

The Board has denied an increased rating for degenerative disc changes L4-L5 and has remanded the issue of TDIU due to service-connected disability.

The Veteran's initial increased rating claims for his coronary artery disease, degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity are being remanded due to incomplete development.,Further examination is needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis with spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine and a rating in excess of 20 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy remains pending.,The Veteran is also seeking TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for headaches, low back disability, and neurological disability of the lower extremities. The Veteran's headaches are considered a symptom of his service-connected sinusitis. His low back disability is not related to service or within one year post-service separation. His neurological disability of the lower extremities is also not related to service.,The Board found that the Veteran has current diagnoses for these conditions, but did not find sufficient evidence to establish their onset in service.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease and secondary service connection for right leg radiculopathy, both related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for whether the March 2007 rating decision denying service connection for a lumbar spine disorder was based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE), entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected lumbar spine osteoarthritis with surgical decompression prior to July 15, 2016, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for an earlier effective date and higher ratings for bilateral pes planus, lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The appeal was withdrawn by the Veteran regarding the earlier effective date issue.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but further evidence is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.,Additional VA treatment records are required to fully assess the Veteran's current condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Crohn’s disease, migraine headaches, lumbar spine condition (status-post laminectomy), right lower extremity neuropathy, and radiculopathy. The earlier effective date and TDIU claims are also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his cervical and lumbar spine disorders due to a lack of functional loss during flare-ups or repetitive use, requiring additional examinations.