Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability, bilateral knee disorders, and initial compensable rating for ureterolithiasis (kidney stones) due to incomplete development. The Veteran must provide private treatment records from 2014 onward related to his conditions, and he must be afforded VA examinations with imaging studies.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for various conditions related to his diabetes and coronary artery disease was partially granted, with some issues receiving a separate rating.

Service connection is granted for bilateral knee arthritis, low back disorder, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, cervical spine degenerative disc and joint disease, cervical radiculopathy (right upper and left upper extremities), acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder), and erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected right knee disabilities.,Service connection is granted for osteoporosis, deviated nasal septum, rhinitis, traumatic brain injury (TBI), left lower extremity patellar dysfunction, right tibia-fibula fracture residuals, right foot pes cavus deformity, right iliac crest, right lateral lower knee, and right medial knee scar, total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability (TDIU), and service connection is remanded for these conditions.

The Veteran's initial rating for left ankle fracture with internal fixation and screw removal is granted at 20%. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a lower back disability due to potential secondary service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that there was no medical nexus between his current condition and military service. The new evidence submitted since the July 2008 decision is considered cumulative.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for chronic low back strain and recurrent furunculosis due to inadequate examinations and the need for updated evaluations. The Veteran will be scheduled for further medical examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and lumbosacral spine disability, finding no current disability due to active service or a service-connected condition.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including a right arm, back, left knee, and right knee condition. The Veteran's claims were based on direct evidence rather than presumptive exposure or other theories.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is causally related to his service, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation at the higher rate. He also qualifies for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to his significant service-connected disability affecting both lower extremities.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for DJD of the left knee and lumbar spondylosis with facet arthropathy, finding that the earliest possible dates were November 29, 2003 (for lumbar spondylosis) and July 18, 2005 (for DJD).

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left heel/foot disability, osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, and radiculopathy in both lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions and incomplete records. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical records, including from Dr. Constantine and Dr. Mazer since 2015, as well as reserve service treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient VA examination reports and the need for additional medical records. The Veteran's allegations of in-service assault, beatings, and injection with sodium pentothal are considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including a lack of private medical records from his 2014 surgery. The Veteran is asked to provide or authorize VA to obtain these records.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection of a sleep disorder, to include obstructive sleep apnea. The initial disability rating for lumbar strain was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to June 25, 2014 and granted at 10 percent thereafter. A compensable disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae of the face was also denied. The Veteran's PTSD with depression received an initial disability rating of 50 percent but no higher.

The Board denied service connection for right ankle, lumbar spine, cervical spine, and hip disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's eye disorder results in bilateral concentric contraction of visual fields with remaining fields of 28 and 30 degrees, without evidence of incapacitating episodes or visual acuity worse than 20/40. A 50 percent rating for the service-connected eye disorder is granted.

The Veteran's initial ratings for cervical spine, right knee, and lumbar strain disabilities were denied. The cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to October 28, 2016 and at 20 percent thereafter. The right knee disability received a 10 percent rating from September 3, 2014 to October 28, 2016 and the lumbar strain disability was rated at 10 percent as of October 28, 2016.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's low back disability to his military service and denied his claim.