Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board granted separate 20 percent ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy from April 11, 2011, and TDIU from November 24, 2011, while dismissing claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine strain with degenerative disc and joint disease and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) from April 10, 2009, through March 19, 2014, and an effective date of April 10, 2009, for the award of Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for higher ratings and TDIU due to inadequate medical examinations. The veteran will undergo new evaluations considering medication effects.

The Board denied service connection for all claimed conditions and a higher rating for the left ankle disability.

The Board remanded the case to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right leg, right hip, and back conditions, including right leg length discrepancy. The Board found that the VA has met its duty to assist the Veteran in obtaining necessary records.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, left knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss as the evidence did not support a link to service.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis due to an unclear remand directive from the Court.

The Board granted an initial rating of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder, but no higher. It also granted an initial rating of 20 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome (back disability), but no higher.

The case is remanded for additional development to ensure compliance with prior remand instructions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and right big toe fracture have been remanded. The Board will consider new evidence.

The Veteran's service connection for right hip and left hip conditions is granted. The back condition was initially denied but then granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine disability was granted, but the claims for left and right hip disabilities were denied.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability. The Veteran's service treatment records are silent as to neck pain, and the Board found the medical opinions inadequate.

The veteran's PTSD alone renders him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The veteran is granted a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status.

The veteran is granted an initial rating of 50 percent for migraines. The claim for total disability due to service-connected migraines is remanded.

The veteran's PTSD rating was denied for the period before October 9, 2023, and for a higher rating after that date. The claims for headaches and lumbosacral strain were remanded for further review.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 26, 2020. The decision was based on evidence showing the veteran could perform sedentary work and was gainfully employed until October 31, 2014.

The appeal for service connection of a lower back condition was dismissed because the veteran did not file the required form within one year of the rating decision and good cause was not shown.

The appeals for higher ratings of thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease and cervical spine degenerative joint disease were dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety), right knee disability, left knee disability, and low back disability. The Board needs more medical evidence to decide these claims.