Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back condition, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current arthritis and any in-service injury or event. The preponderance of the evidence did not show continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations for lumbar spine disability and obstructive sleep apnea are inadequate, and thus remanded to obtain new opinions.

The Board has expanded the issue to include whether a change in the Veteran's vocational rehabilitation employment goal from marriage & family therapist or related occupation to that of a college professor is warranted. The case will be remanded for an additional functional capacity evaluation and review of the evidence.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and low back strain. The Veteran's left shoulder disorder (claimed as lower back pain) and right shoulder disorder were remanded.,Further development is needed to obtain private medical records from Dr. TD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and unilateral spondylosis of the L5 pars and lumbar facet syndrome with minor degenerative changes of the thoracic spine, finding that her pre-existing conditions were not aggravated by active duty.

The Board denied service connection for low back strain and bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence of a nexus to service.,Service connection was also denied for chronic bronchitis due to herbicide exposure, as there is no evidence of such an illness in the record.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40% for the period from May 10, 2016 forward. The Veteran's depressive disorder remains at a 30% rating.

The Veteran's low back condition is related to in-service back trauma and has been granted service connection.,The Veteran's neck, sleep apnea, arthritis of upper extremities, gastrointestinal condition (hiatal hernia and acid reflux), left knee, right knee, left ankle, hypertension, and skin condition have not yet been determined due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's physical and mental disabilities necessitate the aid and attendance of another person to assist with some activities of daily living and protect him from ordinary hazards. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete information about the appellant's active duty periods.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy were denied increased ratings. The lumbar spine disability was rated at 40 percent, left lower extremity radiculopathy at 10 percent, and right lower extremity radiculopathy involving the femoral nerve and sciatic nerve separately at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right ankle sprain, lumbar strain, left knee degenerative joint disease, and left hamstring strain. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for a left ankle disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for a low back disorder due to inadequate examination findings. A new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a lower back disability, and for ratings prior to June 24, 2014 for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran should be provided with VA examinations to assess his current lower back disability severity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, as he is able to perform sedentary work and has a history of working in various occupations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea, back disorder, GERD, hypertension, right knee disability, and pes planus. The appeals are pending as new evidence has been submitted that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was reduced from 40 percent to 10 percent effective October 1, 2009. The Board found the reduction improper and restored the 40 percent rating. The Veteran is also entitled to a 10 percent rating for his left lower extremity radiculopathy prior to August 16, 2013.

The Veteran's disabilities, including low back disability, lateral collateral ligament strain of the left knee, erectile dysfunction, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and psychiatric disability, are being remanded for further evaluation due to a lack of recent VA treatment records and possible private care.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and its relationship to service, as well as his cervical spine disability. The Veteran is requested to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.