Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent since June 29, 2015. The rating for his posttraumatic stress disorder with adjustment disorder and depressed mood has been increased to 30 percent effective February 6, 2013. His anal fistula cyst remains non-compensable. His digestive disorder is rated at zero percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various musculoskeletal conditions, including right hip arthritis, left hip arthritis, back disorder, sciatica, right elbow disorder, and left elbow disorder are all denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including left and right thumb disabilities, cervical spine disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and lumbar spine disability. The VA examinations are needed to assess the current severity of his thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety neurosis), a left arm disorder, and a right leg disorder have been granted. The claim for diabetes mellitus, type II remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining additional medical records. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his low back disability is being considered, as well as his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD and service connection for a back disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records. The effective date of service connection for PTSD is also in question.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not render her housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance, as she is capable of performing most daily functions independently despite physical impairments.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on his symptoms and examination findings.

The Veteran's hypertension, heart condition (cardiomyopathy), and low back disability are all granted. The reduction of the low back disability rating from 40% to 10% is also granted. An initial increased rating for the low back disability is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in previous opinions and a need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for an examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining recent VA or private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain missing service records and VA treatment records, as well as to conduct further examinations. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated medical records and for VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD and lumbar strain.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a back disability, which is now granted. The Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine is also granted as it is related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder did not manifest in service or within one year thereafter and is not otherwise related to his military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeal regarding an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The VA determined that the Veteran's low back condition is not caused or aggravated by her service-connected bilateral ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, and she is granted a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.