Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis with IVDS and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted. The rating of 30% for right carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy from June 15, 2018, to January 19, 2021, is also confirmed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and right Achilles tendonitis as secondary to bilateral pes planus are remanded due to potential issues with the pre-service diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for headaches is denied due to her reported symptoms not meeting the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for right knee instability and back strain are both denied as there is no current disability found during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in regular need for aid and attendance, which qualifies him for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for low back disability and right hip disability due to insufficient evidence. The acquired psychiatric disorder issue remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee condition is denied as there is no current diagnosis of such during the appeal period.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied. The maximum schedular rating for tinnitus has been granted.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability (previously rated as degenerative disc disease) was remanded due to a duty-to-assist error in the November 2024 Back Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire. The case is now being remanded to obtain retrospective findings from an appropriate clinician to determine the severity of the Veteran's service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 20 percent, but no higher, for IBS was granted. The Board found that the evidence did not show a factually ascertainable increase in disability within one year prior to her January 22, 2019 claim date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a recurrent lumbosacral spine disability, including spinal instrumentation and fusion residuals, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD was denied, as the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,Service connection for a left shoulder disability and lumbar spine disability were also denied. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions had onset in service or were otherwise related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to potential missing treatment records and deficiencies in the VA examinations used. The Veteran will need new disability benefit questionnaires completed, as well as new VA examinations with specific range of motion measurements.

The Veteran's appeal for earlier effective dates for service connection has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, thoracolumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability. The Veteran's conditions are found to have begun during active service and continue since.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors, including the failure to obtain private treatment records and employment information from his employer. The issue of mootness regarding the combined 100 percent rating for service-connected disabilities was not addressed.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle disability, but remanded the issues of secondary service connection for left knee and right knee disabilities as well as back disability due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) claimed as lower lumbar issues, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to her in-service motor vehicle accident and resolving reasonable doubt in her favor.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or service connection in all cases.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to December 5, 2024, for service connection of radiculopathy involving the femoral and sciatic nerves in both lower extremities.,Additionally, the Board denied an increased rating for left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability and denied service connection for headaches, cervical spine disability, low back disability, right knee disability, and psychiatric disability (PTSD).