Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbago, herniated disc with degenerative disc disease L4-5 is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional private treatment records.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The appeal will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 10 percent, the lowest available rating under VA's General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The evidence does not show any limitation in range of motion or other symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left shoulder, cervical spine and lumbar spine disorders are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a new VA examination of his psychiatric disorder. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's low back disability, which also includes left lower extremity radiculopathy, was found to warrant a separate 20 percent rating for the radicular symptoms since January 30, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his active service, and therefore grants service connection for a low back disability.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 6, 2003 for the grant of service connection and initial ratings of 20 percent for right and left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected low back strain with degenerative disc changes was denied. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disorder, including residuals from previous surgery, is also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is not related to his active service and therefore, he does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and a need for further medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed diabetes mellitus, type II, and low back disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disability, neurologic abnormality of the left upper extremity, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, lumbar strain, and cervical spine disability have been granted. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding medical records and scheduling a VA examination to address his claims of secondary service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion to address whether the Veteran's service-connected right leg disability aggravated his claimed left knee and back disorders, as well as if his back disorder is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his left knee disorder.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, including all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal prior to the Board's decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea, bowel dysfunction, cervical spine disability, thoracic and lumbar degenerative disc disease with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and left knee disability were not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.