Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that there is at least a 50% chance the Veteran's osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine is related to his service-connected knee disabilities, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spondylosis and degenerative disc disease, as well as his meniscal tear of the left knee, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability did not have its onset during service and is not related to any in-service injury or event. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current back condition is linked to his military service.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are rated at 10 percent each, with a separate 30 percent rating for the right knee limitation of extension. Service connection is granted for a left shoulder disability but denied for low back, right hip, and erectile dysfunction.

The claim for service connection for a low back condition has been reopened and granted. Service connection is also granted for cervical spine degenerative changes, but the appeal on CAD and diabetes mellitus type II was remanded due to lack of opinion from VA examiners. The Veteran's acne vulgaris disability remains in dispute.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) has been dismissed. The issues of an initial increased rating in excess of 10 percent disabling for lumbar disability and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and stomach and esophageal disabilities due to incomplete examination reports, lack of adequate medical opinion regarding post-service issues, and need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep condition, increased rating for left wrist disability, and increased rating for back disability have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals prior to the Board making a decision.,For allergic rhinitis, an initial compensable rating (10%) has been denied as there was no evidence of greater than 50% obstruction or nasal polyps. However, from March 8, 2017 onwards, a 30% rating for the presence of nasal polyps has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service injuries. The issues of service connection for right and left knee disorders and Crohn’s disease have been remanded due to lack of verification of periods of active duty training.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability was granted a 40 percent rating prior to July 15, 2013. The evidence showed limited range of motion and no incapacitating episodes.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional examinations and development of records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lower back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and MDD) are still pending.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, low back disorder, headaches, left hip disorder, and left leg disorder due to additional development being needed.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the requisite rating criteria for TDIU prior to June 4, 2013. The matter of entitlement to TDIU prior to June 3, 2014 is referred to the Director, Compensation Service, for extra-schedular consideration.

The Board has remanded the claim for a lumbar spine disability due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, left foot plantar fasciitis, and acquired psychiatric disorder (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) are granted. The Board has remanded the cases for additional development related to his chronic fatigue syndrome and restless leg syndrome.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a back disability, including as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. The case will be reviewed with an additional VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining a retrospective medical opinion regarding his unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to December 3, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating and TDIU due to service-connected DDD of the lumbar spine. The AOJ is instructed to arrange for a VA examination, obtain all relevant records, and consider whether staged ratings are appropriate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obesity, back disorders (including herniated disc at T11-T12), right foot disorder, bilateral leg disorder, sleep apnea, respiratory disorder, and stomach disorder are not service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for service connection under VA laws and regulations.