Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective September 14, 2018. The cervical spine disability secondary to the service-connected low back disability is remanded for further review.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the 10 percent evaluation for service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease and remanded the issue of service connection for a back condition.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability and ischemic heart disease (IHD) due to herbicide exposure are remanded. The VA examiner found no evidence linking the low back disability to service, but acknowledged the Veteran’s testimony about his symptoms since service. For IHD, the AOJ is instructed to verify the Veteran's alleged exposure to herbicides in Thailand and provide a medical opinion on its relationship with service.

The Board has granted service connection for low back and neck disorders. The Veteran's right shoulder, wrists, ankles, feet, gastrointestinal disorder, TBI residuals, and cognitive disorder are being remanded for further examination and analysis.

The Board has granted service connection for facet syndrome of the lumbosacral spine. The issues of service connection for a low back condition other than facet syndrome, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are remanded.

The claims for low back disability and bilateral tinnitus have been reopened, with the low back disability claim being granted. The hearing loss claim is remanded.,New evidence has been submitted supporting the reopening of the low back disability and bilateral tinnitus claims.

The Veteran's rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine with multilevel disc bulge and compression of the thecal sac was restored to 40 percent effective September 1, 2014. A separate 10 percent rating is granted for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder condition, cervical spine condition, and lumbar spine condition. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its interdependence with these service connection issues.

The Board has granted service connection for a right hip condition. However, the issues of service connection for low back and bilateral leg pain secondary to the right hip disability are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, a back disorder to include L3 herniated disc, with dried out discs, L4-L5, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (claimed as 'numbness'). The issues are related to service connection on the merits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and further examination.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine and granted it as secondary to a service-connected right knee disability. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's back condition is at least as likely as not due to his service-connected right knee injury.

The Board has remanded three issues: right knee disability, low back disability, and the ratings for left knee disability. The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is found to be aggravated by his right knee and low back disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability and entitlement to TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Board has ordered a remand for a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including flare-ups and additional limitations due to pain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip, right knee, and lumbar spine disabilities due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, including degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether or not the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded five service connection claims and one claim for TDIU due to the need for clarification of service dates, additional examination, and further development. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities may affect his ability to work.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for updated inpatient hospital records. A VA examination is also required.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hip condition, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, lumbar strain, and bilateral plantar fascitis. The issues have been referred back to the VA for further examination and consideration.