Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's low back disability has worsened since the last VA examination in January 2016, and a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical records and schedule him for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension, but has remanded the cases of cervical spine disability, low back disability, left hip disability, left knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for chronic rhinitis with recurrent sinusitis is denied. From September 1, 2013, but not before, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle disability. However, the cases of low back disorder and left ankle fracture secondary to right ankle disability are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective May 23, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left and right ankle disabilities have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent each since December 1, 2010. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has also been granted an initial rating of 40 percent effective October 26, 2015.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and he is granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with IVDS is currently rated at 20 percent, effective February 5, 2018. This rating remains in effect until further notice.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent from September 9, 2014 to May 27, 2016. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral wrist pain and low back disorder, as secondary to service-connected seizure disorder. The Veteran's wrists and back conditions are being evaluated again due to new evidence submitted since the last decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the severity of the Veteran's back disability during flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, prostate cancer, and sarcoidosis with a history of anemia due to additional development being needed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate consideration of the Veteran's lay statements and examination report.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss, but granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues of low back strain, vertigo, and chronic sinus disability are remanded.,Service connection is being remanded for the Veteran's claimed conditions as they may be related to her military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's TBI residuals are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with levoscoliosis and strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board dismissed the claims for chronic kidney disease, hyperlipidemia, and other conditions due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis in multiple joints (excluding the low back), an eye disability, sinusitis, bronchitis, kidney disease, erectile dysfunction, and skin disability. The decision also dismissed appeals for residuals of malaria and skin cancer.

The claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is dismissed. The Veteran's cervical spine disability and kidney disability are granted as secondary to his service-connected low back disability.

Entitlement to an earlier effective date of December 30, 2010 for the award of a 40 percent rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is granted.,For the increased ratings of 30 percent for cervical spine disability and 20 percent for right ulnar neuropathy, entitlement to an earlier effective date than February 15, 2011 is denied.