Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear medical opinions and the need for verification of service records, including those from Fort Sill.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and readjudicating the claims.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy was evaluated at a 20% rating prior to August 1, 2008. The evidence did not support a higher rating as there were no findings of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations and consideration of aggravation.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the lumbar spine disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating prior to July 1, 2014, but was sufficient from that date onwards.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected low back disability and radiculopathies was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes or limitation of motion under the General Rating Formula, nor did it show unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck condition and low back condition, finding no current disabilities for VA purposes. The Veteran was also denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).,There is no indication that the Veteran has any current conditions related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back, right knee, and left knee disabilities were denied. The claim to reopen a back disability was granted due to new evidence submitted subsequent to the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected DDD of the thoracolumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent, which approximates his disability picture throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, including degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations. The TDIU claim has also been raised.

The Veteran's DDD lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on current evidence of record.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and right hip disabilities due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of adequate explanation in previous examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a back disability as secondary to drop foot of the left leg has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his cervical spondylosis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied. The left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome and associated cervical radiculopathy were also rated at 10 percent, effective from January 21, 2011.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, left hip radiculopathy, and right hip radiculopathy are service-connected. The Veteran's upper extremity disabilities and hemorrhoids are not service-connected.

The Board found insufficient evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and mood disorder NOS. The examiner opined that her current conditions are more likely related to post-service life events rather than in-service incidents.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to insufficient rationale for the etiology of the bilateral ankle disability. The claims for service connection for knee and back disabilities are inextricably intertwined with the bilateral ankle disability claim, as they are based on a secondary theory of entitlement.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her lumbar spine disability is being remanded to the Board of Veterans' Appeals for further development, including consideration of extraschedular evaluation due to marked interference with employment and frequent periods of hospitalization.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability was granted service connection effective May 24, 2006. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability and a right hip disability are remanded.