Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a combined rating of at least 80 percent, which meets the minimum schedular requirements for a TDIU. The Board finds that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities as of April 7, 2011.

The Veteran's chronic lumbosacral myositis and sciatica of the right and left lower extremities have been granted service connection, with a 10% disability rating for each condition.

The Board has reopened the claims for left shoulder/arm pain, liver mass, right ear hearing loss disability, back disability, shin splints, right knee disability, sleep apnea, GERD, and PTSD. However, service connection is not granted for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the RO has ordered a new VA examination to assess its current severity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for DJD of the lumbar spine and a neck disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional records from Social Security Administration (SSA).

The Veteran's initial compensable rating claim for migraine headaches was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s migraine headaches did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating as they were not prostrating in nature. The claims for service connection of low back, right ankle, and sleep disturbances are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and TDIU prior to October 26, 2011 as there was no evidence showing the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back pain with sciatica is a result of an in-service injury, specifically falling off a tank while serving as a gunner. The service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded for a VA examination to assess its current severity and manifestations.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back condition has been reopened, and the Board finds new and material evidence. The case is remanded to obtain VA treatment records and schedule an examination to determine if his current conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease L5-S1 and associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities are currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the reduction in the rating for chronic lumbar spine strain, entitlement to a higher rating for posttraumatic ankylosis of the right ankle, and entitlement to a compensable rating for chronic right knee strain.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and arthritis of the ankles, knees, cervical, and thoracolumbar spine as there is no evidence that these conditions are related to active service.

The Veteran's back disability and endometriosis are granted service connection. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, right hip disability, breathing disability, memory loss disability, and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) remain on appeal.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, left knee disorder, and tinea versicolor. The Veteran's lumbar spine and left knee disorders were not shown to be related to his active service, and the tinea versicolor was not found to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disorder and obstructive sleep apnea were addressed. The Board found the issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and increased rating for low back disorder (thoracolumbar spine IVDS) to be remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Depression have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability has been granted due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for myasthenia gravis is remanded as additional VA medical opinion is needed regarding its onset and relationship to his service-connected conditions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Depression, is remanded as a new VA examination is required to determine the nature of these disorders and their relationship to service or other factors.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine with radiculitis, is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess its current severity.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for inguinal hernia is remanded as additional VA treatment records are needed.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for prostate cancer residuals (including incontinence) are remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of recent medical evidence.

The claim for service connection of back disability has been remanded.,PTSD rating claims prior to June 12, 2014 have been denied.

The Board has denied service connection for a right knee disability due to lack of evidence of an in-service injury. The lumbar spine strain issue is remanded as the VA examination was inadequate.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative changes of lumbar spine L4/L5 with herniated disk, sciatic paresthesias of the left and right lower extremities, and paresthesias of the right foot are all granted.,However, his claim for patellofemoral syndrome of the right or left knee is remanded as additional evidence is needed to determine if it was incurred in service or aggravated by a service-connected condition.