Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's spondylolisthesis with degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome disability is rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds no evidence to support a higher rating. The earlier effective date for right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a back condition, cervical spine condition, and left arm or shoulder condition due to lack of new and relevant evidence.

The Veteran's appeals to reduce the disability ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome, supraventricular arrhythmia (heart condition), and right lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve were dismissed because the proposed reductions had not been finalized in a final VA decision.

The Veteran's rating for bilateral pes planus was reduced from 50% to 10%, and his rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease was restored from 20% to 40%. The appeal is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy were granted effective December 20, 2022. The appellant is not eligible to direct payment of attorney fees based on the past-due benefits awarded in the April 2023 rating decision.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not service-connected, but his back disorder related to heavy lifting and pain during service has been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for a back pain disability due to insufficient medical evidence and lack of rationale in the previous VA examination. The case is returned to the AOJ for further action.

Service connection is granted for low back disabilities and left shoulder disability.,Nutritional deficiencies are denied as they are not considered a disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in pre-decisional duty to assist and a need for further examination. The claim will be reconsidered with additional information about service dates and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome was granted, with a rating of 40 percent effective March 21, 2022. The appellant is eligible for direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the September 8, 2022, RO decision.

The Veteran's dental condition is not considered a disability for VA compensation purposes.,The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD does not meet the criteria for an increased rating beyond 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error in failing to consider an in-service back condition and treatment. The Veteran's service records show treatment for low back pain, but the VA examiner found no evidence of such during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, chronic right knee pain, chronic left knee pain, lumbar strain, migraine headaches, and stomach problems due to incomplete service records and outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and right foot peroneal nerve damage is granted, effective June 19, 2018. The Veteran is not entitled to an earlier effective date for his right foot peroneal nerve damage.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability and entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder impingement syndrome with rotator cuff tear and tendonitis due to inadequate examinations.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine, left hip, and right hip disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing an in-service disease or injury related to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical stenosis with myelopathy and myelomalacia is granted secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain with IVDS. The rating for lumbosacral strain with IVDS remains at 20 percent, but a separate compensable rating is granted for neurological impairment of the right lower extremity. Ratings for left hip degenerative arthritis are also granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for lumbosacral strain, right ankle strain, and left ankle strain due to unclear functional loss during examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether his current back, knee, and hip disabilities are caused or aggravated by his service-connected left ankle sprain. The Veteran must provide new medical opinions addressing these issues.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluation and TDIU have been dismissed due to his death prior to a final decision.